// capture_the_flag.guide
// CTF competitions are how the world's best hackers got good. This is where you start — zero to flag, one challenge at a time.
// what_is_ctf.md
Capture The Flag competitions are cybersecurity challenges where you solve puzzles, break systems, and find hidden secrets called "flags." They're how ethical hackers learn real skills — legally, safely, and competitively.
Every major cybersecurity professional has a CTF story. This is where your story starts.
Submit it. Score points. Climb the leaderboard. That's CTF. Every challenge teaches a real security skill — SQL injection, binary exploitation, cryptography, and more.
// challenge_categories.json
CTF challenges are grouped into categories, each teaching a distinct domain of security. Most beginners find one they love and go deep — then branch out as they grow.
SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, SSRF, authentication bypasses. If it runs in a browser, it's fair game. Web is the most popular CTF category for a reason — there's always something broken.
Buffer overflows, ret2libc, heap exploitation. The deepest category — you're hacking at the memory level. Steep learning curve. Enormous respect when you solve one.
Disassemble compiled binaries, deobfuscate code, and understand how programs work without source. Tools: Ghidra, IDA, Binary Ninja, GDB.
Break weak encryption, exploit math vulnerabilities in RSA, attack custom ciphers. You don't need a PhD — but you do need to love maths.
Find hidden information using only public sources — social media, satellite imagery, metadata. The detective work of cybersecurity. Surprisingly addictive.
Steganography, forensics, trivia, jail escapes. The wildcard category where anything goes — and creativity wins as often as technical knowledge.
// your_roadmap.sh
Every CTF champion started not knowing what a flag even was. The path is clearer than you think — and HowToCTF maps every step of it.
Linux command line, networking fundamentals, basic scripting. The foundation that makes everything else possible.
Start with Web or OSINT — they're the most beginner-friendly. Try a few challenges on PicoCTF or TryHackMe.
CTFtime.org lists upcoming events. Join as a solo player or with a team. Don't worry about ranking — just finish one challenge.
After each competition, read how others solved challenges you couldn't. Writeups are the single fastest way to level up.
The best CTF players are collaborative. Find others, specialise in different categories, and compete seriously.
// bookmarks.txt
Platforms, tools, and communities every CTF player should know — curated and kept current by HowToCTF.
// join_the_community.sh
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