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Getting Started

If you have never done a CTF before, that is completely fine. In this class, a CTF is just a guided set of short problem-solving challenges where you use course tools, find an answer, and submit it as a flag.

The point is practice, not intimidation. The platform is here to help you apply what you are learning in Unix, C, and systems work in a more hands-on way.

Credit Rule

Each Canvas CTF assignment is worth 1 point. Earn 70% or more of the available CTFd points for full credit. Below 70% receives no credit. No partial credit.

Privacy

The leaderboard is anonymous. Use your course handle instead of your real name so the public scoreboard stays FERPA-safe.

Wrong Answers

You can submit multiple times. Wrong submissions do not take points away, so it is okay to try, adjust, and try again.

Important: sign in with the GitHub account you created at the start of the course. That login is how your CTF work is matched back to Canvas for credit.
1

Click Sign in with GitHub

Go to the welcome page or the home page and click Sign in with GitHub. Use the same GitHub account you made for this course. This keeps identity matching simple and reliable for grading.

2

Open the challenge list

After you sign in, go to Challenges. Start with practice work when it is available, then use the same workflow during live graded events like Week 1 CTF and Week 2 CTF.

3

Read the prompt and find the flag

Each challenge asks you to inspect something, run commands, read code, trace output, or answer a question. When you solve it, you submit the expected answer. Sometimes that answer looks like FLAG{example}. Sometimes the platform accepts the answer without the wrapper. Read the prompt carefully.

4

Submit and keep going

Open the challenge, paste your answer, and submit it. If it is correct, your score increases immediately. If it is wrong, nothing bad happens. Adjust your approach and try again.

5

Know how grading works

For graded events, full credit requires 70% or more of the available CTFd points. Below 70% receives no credit. The public scoreboard is anonymous, but your GitHub login is still required so the system can award Canvas credit to the right student.

6

Prepare with the course site

The best preparation is steady practice. Use the course site to review the week’s lessons, and use the schedule on the home page plus Canvas CTF pages to track upcoming live events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CTF in this class?
It is a structured way to practice course skills. You solve small technical problems, submit answers, and earn points. In CSCD 240, that usually means using Unix commands, reading outputs carefully, and later applying C and systems concepts under time pressure.
Do I need prior CTF experience?
No. The platform is designed for students who are learning this style for the first time. Start with easier challenges, use the hints in the prompt, and focus on methodical problem solving instead of speed alone.
Why does GitHub sign-in matter for credit?
The GitHub login provides a consistent identity signal so the platform can map your CTF activity back to the right course account. That improves grading reliability and avoids ambiguity about who earned the score.
What if I get stuck?
Start with the smaller challenges first. Re-read the prompt, review the related lesson, and test one idea at a time. Practice rounds are meant to lower stress and help you build confidence before live Friday events.
What should I bring to a live CTF?
Bring your normal working setup: laptop, terminal access, and the same workflow you use for labs. Some challenges are answer-only, while others work best if you can use a terminal during the event.