CTF in High Schools 2.0: A Platform for Organizing School Cybersecurity Competitions

Abstract

This article is contextualized in the activities carried out in the project "Extensión en vínculo con escuelas secundarias"(Extension in link with high schools) of the UNLP (National University of La Plata), which aims is to make known and discuss the incorporation of Computer Science as a field of knowledge in high schools, specifically in the area of influence of the project (La Plata, Berisso and Ensenada). The didactic strategy employed involves developing cybersecurity competencies through the use of Capture the Flag (CTF) games, encouraging the exploration of these topics through the resolution of situated cognitive challenges, student experimentation, conjecture formulation, research, and collaborative work. This paper presents a new version of the tool "CTF in high schools," designed to support the organization and management of cybersecurity competitions in high schools, promoting autonomy and active participation among school teams. Enhancing the user experience was a key design principle of this ne  version. Furthermore, the paper includes an initial evaluation of the tool’s use in two schools, analyzing aspects such as installation ease, encountered technical difficulties, and the feasibility of creating a cybersecurity competition. The findings from this evaluation provide valuable insights into technological requirements, pedagogical implications, and necessary improvements for a smooth integration into high school curricula. The results of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of how to promote cybersecurity education through a practical approach, supporting educators and educational institutions in adopting this didactic methodology.