CTFs
Episode description
In this episode of the mnemonic security podcast, Robby is joined by Eirik Nordbø and Marius Kotlarz from Equinor, as well as Haakon Staff from mnemonic.
Together, they discuss the world of Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, exploring their origins, structure, and benefits. CTFs, as they explain, are “hacking” contests featuring challenges such as cryptography and reverse engineering, where participants solve tasks to uncover "flags" and earn points.
The discussion highlights the educational value of CTFs, particularly in helping developers, pentesters, and other IT professionals refine their skills and master advanced techniques. The group also addresses the logistical challenges of hosting a CTF—such as the Equinor CTF—from infrastructure setup to stress testing, while emphasizing the passion and expertise required to organize a successful event. Finally, they explore how CTFs can serve as a valuable recruitment tool for identifying and attracting top security talent.