CyberShield 4.0
June 23, 2025 at 2:30 PM - July 19, 2025 at 12:30 PM @ Online event
Description
Objective In our evolving digital era, cyber threats have emerged as a paramount concern for individuals worldwide with a growing number of young individuals accessing digital platforms early on, instilling awareness about cyber risks become imperative. To address this critical need, the IEEE Computer Society of SLIIT organized CyberShield 4.0, a comprehensive two-month event slated from June 23rd to July 19th 2025. This initiative aimed to nurture a deep understanding of cybersecurity concepts and their practical implications among Sri Lankan Undergraduates. CyberShield 4.0 focused on educating school students and undergraduates about online threats and safety measures through interactive sessions. Subsequently, university students delved into potential career pathways in cybersecurity through sessions with industry experts, and demonstrated their skills by competing a 7 hour in-person CTF challenge. This initiative aimed to shape the digital proficiency of tomorrow's leaders. Phase 01 Outline Phase 1 of CyberShield 4.0 focused on a series of insightful online sessions aimed at building foundational knowledge in cybersecurity. Conducted virtually, these sessions featured industry experts who shared real-world insights on topics such as ethical hacking, cyber threat intelligence, and secure coding. With live demonstrations and interactive Q&As, the sessions offered participants a chance to engage deeply with core concepts and emerging trends in the field. Session 01 - "Introduction to Cyber Security and Cyber Hygiene" by Mr. Deemantha Siriwardana Session 01 laid the groundwork for understanding cybersecurity fundamentals and personal digital safety. The speaker emphasized the importance of cyber hygiene in everyday online activity and demonstrated common threats vectors and active preventive measures individuals need to take preserve their cyber safety through practical examples and scenarios. Session 02 - "The future of Cyber Security and AI" by Mr. Kavinga Yapa Session 02 explored the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, highlighting how AI is transforming threat detection, response, and prediction. The speaker also discussed the dual nature of AI, as both a defense mechanism and a potential attack vector, and its ethical implications in modern cybersecurity practices. Session 03 - "Approaching CTF's the correct way" by Mr. Heshan Perera Session 03 focusing on Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, this session provided a strategic overview of how to effectively tackle CTF challenges. The speaker introduced practical tools, methodologies, and common challenge categories, while also sharing tips on team collaboration, problem-solving, and mindset required for success in real-world security environments. Phase 02 Outline (CTF challenge) Phase 2 of CyberShield 4.0 centered around the competitive Capture the Flag (CTF) event designed to test participants’ practical cybersecurity skills. The Pre-CTF Challenge, held online, acted as a qualifying round where 50 teams from 15+ universities across Sri Lanka competed in solving practical cybersecurity challenges. Based on performance, the top 20 teams were selected to advance to the final round. The Final CTF Challenge took place during the main physical event, where all 20 shortlisted teams competed in an intense, 7 -hour challenge. In conclusion, the top 3 teams were awarded cash prizes and exclusive gifts from our gift partners, recognizing their exceptional performance and teamwork. Outcome CyberShield 4.0 successfully fostered cybersecurity awareness, education, and hands-on engagement among university and school students across Sri Lanka. The multi-phase program delivered tangible results through structured sessions and competitive events. Knowledge Sharing & Awareness Building Over 470 students participated in three interactive awareness sessions conducted under CyberShield 4.0, These sessions aimed to build foundational knowledge and spark interest in the domain among students from diverse academic backgrounds. Pre-CTF Challenge A Pre-CTF challenge was hosted to assess participants' problem-solving and critical thinking skills. It attracted 180 participants from over 15 universities, highlighting the wide reach and interest in ethical hacking and cybersecurity. Final CTF Competition From the initial pool, the top 60 participants were shortlisted to compete in the Final Capture the Flag (CTF) event. These participants formed 20 teams, engaging in a high-intensity, scenario-based cybersecurity challenge that tested technical acumen, collaboration, and strategic thinking. Impact Significantly increased awareness of cybersecurity challenges and careers. Enhanced participants’ practical skills through hands-on simulations. Fostered inter-university collaboration and peer learning. Strengthened the foundation for future cybersecurity talent development. Overall, CyberShield 4.0 served as a catalyst for building a more cyber-aware student community, equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure to real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Agenda
23rd June 2025 - "Introduction to Cyber Security and Cyber Hygiene" by Mr. Deemantha Siriwardana 01st July 2025 - "The future of Cyber Security and AI" by Mr. Kavinga Yapa 13th July 2025 - "Approaching CTF's the correct way" by Mr. Heshan Perera 16th July 2025 - Pre-CTF challenge qualifier round 19th July 2025 - Final CTF challenge and prize giving