𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝘆𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝘆𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝘂𝗵𝗮𝗳𝗶𝘇 𝗯𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗧

𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗱, 𝗣𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻 – The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) of Pakistan, in partnership with the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (Nuces), successfully conducted an action-packed Hackathon Challenge on Day 2 of “Cyber Muhafiz.” Designed to promote hands-on learning and cyber excellence, the hackathon brought together over 40 teams comprising university students, cybersecurity professionals, and representatives from government organizations.

The day kicked off with a welcome address by Mr. Syed Imran Haider (AD Trainings, National CERT) and Dr. Muhammad Asim (Head of IS Department, FAST-NUCES), setting the stage for a competitive and collaborative experience. Participants engaged in two rigorous rounds: the Red Teaming Competition (Part 1), which focused on offensive tactics, followed by the Blue Teaming Competition (Part 2), where teams defended against simulated cyber threats. These exercises challenged participants to respond swiftly and strategically, closely simulating real-world threat scenarios.

The Closing Ceremony featured remarks by Mr. Khurram Javed (Director Capacity Building, National CERT), and Dr. Aftab Ahmad (Rector, FAST-NUCES) who commended the participants for their technical acumen and collaborative spirit. The top three teams were awarded with prizes and corticates for their outstanding performance:

𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲: Schrodinger Bears (FAST-NUCES)
𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲: CipherMaze (NADRA)
𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲: Anti Topi (FAST-NUCES)

Cyber Muhafiz champions public-private-academia collaboration to strengthen Pakistan’s national cybersecurity posture. Day 2 demonstrated the power of skill-based learning and team-driven challenges in nurturing the country’s next generation of cyber defenders.