Cybersecurity Center

Capture the Flag Competition

This Capture the Flag (CTF) competition provides a unique and enjoyable opportunity for WIU graduate and undergraduate students to showcase their cybersecurity knowledge. Participants will use computer forensics tools to analyze a provided disk image in a hands-on, real-world scenario. They will demonstrate their skills by retrieving and analyzing critical evidence from the image.

  • Competition Date and Time: November 7–8, 2026
  • Registration Deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST
  • Location: Online
  • Competition Platform: XP Cyber Range
  • Competition Format: Online Capture the Flag (CTF) competition
  • Duration: The competition will remain open for 48 hours
  • Awards Ceremony: December 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM CST
  • Awards Ceremony Location: Stipes Hall, Western Illinois University. The specific room location will be shared with participants via email.

Important: Only 30 seats are available for this competition! Secure your spot by registering as soon as possible.

  1. Participants must be currently enrolled at Western Illinois University (WIU).
  2. Participants must create an account on the XP Cyber Range platform, which will be used for the competition.
  3. Participants must create their XP Cyber Range account after receiving an invitation email from the competition organizing team.
  4. This is an individual, online Capture the Flag (CTF) competition.
  5. Participants must have access to a computer or other suitable electronic device, as well as a reliable internet connection, to participate in the competition.
  6. An interest in cybersecurity and/or digital forensics is recommended.
  1. Participants will not work in teams.
  2. Each participant will complete the CTF individually.
  3. Participants are expected to follow all competition rules and the terms and conditions of the XP Cyber Range platform.
  4. Participants are responsible for completing their own work and may not receive assistance from other participants during the competition.
  • Opportunity to demonstrate and showcase your cybersecurity knowledge and skills.
  • Opportunity to gain practical experience in cybersecurity and digital forensics.
  • All participants will receive a certificate of participation.
  • Prizes will be awarded to the top-performing participants.

To prepare for the competition, please email Dr. Tahir M. Khan at Dr. Tahir M. Khan at tm-khan@wiu.edu to request access to the XP Cyber Range platform for a practice session. You have two options for preparing for the competition and becoming familiar with the platform.

First, you can attend the Cybersecurity Club meetings every Wednesday in Stipes Hall 309, where students practice various cybersecurity-related scenarios during the meeting sessions.

If you are interested in attending the club meetings, please email me so I can provide you with additional information and instructions on how to attend.

If you are unable to attend the club meetings, you may email me with the information requested below, and I will add you to the XP Cyber Range platform.

Regardless of which option you choose to prepare for the competition, please email Dr. Khan to request access to the XP Cyber Range platform.

In your email, please indicate the days on which you would like to have your practice session . I will schedule a two-day practice session based on platform availability. If your requested dates are not available, I will schedule the practice session for the closest available dates before or after your requested dates.

You may receive additional updates and information about the competition via email. We look forward to having you participate in the WIU Online CTF Cybersecurity Competition.

  • Dr. Tahir M. Khan
    Associate Professor
    Interim Director of WIU Cybersecurity Center
    tm-khan@wiu.edu 
  • Joseph Stanger
    President of the Cybersecurity Enthusiast Club
    JE-Stanger@wiu.edu 

Past Events

November 13, 2025
  • Western Illinois University Main Campus (Macomb, IL), Stipes Hall, Room 309
Winner Team Members Information
  • First -- Minh kha Tran, Basel Atiyire
  • Second -- Emmanuel K Osei Saahene, Aderinola Adetoro
  • Third -- Andrew Johnson, Laine Gholson
December 4, 2024
  • Western Illinois University Main Campus (Macomb, IL), Stipes Hall, Room 309
Winner Team Members Information
  • First
    • Team Name: Promachus
    • Anwah Pascal
    • Timothy Laryea
  • Second
    • Team Name: Abis
    • Abiodun Adebanjo
    • Israel Adebisi
  • Third
    • Team Name: Phish & Chip
    • Md Zakir Hossain Zamil
    • Samson Amoran
April 27, 2024
  • Western Illinois University Main Campus (Macomb, IL), University Union, Heritage Room
Top Three Teams
  • First
    • Michael Umakor
    • Saadat Ibiyeye
  • Second
    • Charles Uzoma
    • Shereece Victor
  • Third
    • Anwah Pascal
    • Imafidon Abiola Richie

Register Now! (2026)