Young Cyber Talents Uncovered at WhiteHacks@SG 2018

‘SQL Injection’, ‘DNS Zone Transfer’ and ‘Md5 Hash Lookup’ were just some of the challenges participants of the WhiteHacks@SG 2018 faced during the two-day event. Organised by Singapore Management University’s (SMU) Whitehat Society and supported by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), WhiteHacks@SG 2018 consisted of a series of workshops and a Capture-the-Flag competition. Held at SMU on 17 and 18 March 2018, the event aimed to generate interest amongst junior college students in the cybersecurity profession and learn practical skills in the process.

Mr Lam addressing the students

Currently into its third run, WhiteHacks@SG 2018 saw its most impressive turnout yet, with close to 140 students participating in the event. The students attended workshops held by members of the Whitehat Society on areas such as Operating Systems Security and Web Application Deployment and Security. They also heard from Mr Lam Chang Keong, Senior Assistant Director of CSA’s National Cyber Threat Monitoring Centre, on the topic of cyber threat intelligence. Mr Lam also shared with the students about his training and experience in the industry.

This event is an excellent platform to gain exposure to cybersecurity, I learnt new skills such as the commands to execute network penetration and I thoroughly enjoyed this experience.

Teo Wen Xuan
Dunman High School student

(From left to right) Mr Lam, with members of the winning team, Li Zhaoqi, Jacky Lu Jia Xin and Teoh Wen Xuan of Team BananaTree

After an intense Capture-the-Flag competition, the following participants emerged tops:

• 1^st place: Team BananaTree from Dunman High School, consisting of members Jacky Lu Jia Xin, Li Zhaoqi and Teoh Wen Xuan

• 2^nd place: Team N0X1U5 G4S4S from Hwa Chong Institution, consisting of members Chai Yi Chen, Zhang Chenxin and Ho Xu Yang, Damian

• 3^rd place: Team :thinking: from NUS High School of Mathematics and Science, consisting of members Wong Kok Rui, Tang Yetong, Xavier Oh Zhi Sheng

The cybersecurity sector in Singapore is dynamic and has a huge potential for growth. I believe it is important that there are platforms like these made available for us to develop our skills and be part of the vibrant cybersecurity workforce in the future.

Jacky Lu
18-year-old, Team BananaTree

CSA is proud to support this event and we look forward to welcoming budding cybersecurity enthusiasts into the industry.