TCS HackQuest Season 9: Prizes, Registration, and Key Dates You Need to Know
Hack Glance
TCS HackQuest Season 9 is the ultimate cyber arena for students to showcase their cybersecurity brilliance, offering an exceptional platform to hone their skills and gain industry recognition.
- Prizes: Worth up to INR 5 Lakhs
- Opportunities: Interview with TCS Cybersecurity Center of Excellence
- Merits: Certifications and exclusive merchandise for top performers
- Important Dates:
- Registration End Date: 23rd January 2025, Thursday
- Round 1 Date: 25th January 2025, Saturday (10 AM to 4 PM IST)
- Contact: For queries, email [email protected]
- Registration Requirement: Valid TCS NextStep reference ID (CT/DT number). Register on TCS NextStep in the ‘IT’ section (Not BPS) if you don’t have one.
Overview
TCS HackQuest, hosted by the TCS Cybersecurity Unit, is a premier ethical hacking competition aimed at identifying talented individuals passionate about cybersecurity. The event, rooted in the “Catch the Flag” (CTF) format, invites students to tackle real-world security challenges, providing a dynamic and practical learning experience. Participants will have the chance to demonstrate their problem-solving abilities, innovative approaches, and technical expertise.
Why HackQuest?
In an era where technological advancements and increased digital focus expose organizations to greater security risks, HackQuest seeks to:
- Identify and nurture cybersecurity talent through competitive challenges.
- Foster a global community of ethical hackers capable of addressing advanced cybersecurity threats.
- Build a resilient and trustworthy cyber landscape, ensuring sustainable security solutions for diverse industries.
Contest Structure
HackQuest is conducted in two main rounds:
Round 1: Online CTF Challenge
- Duration: 6 hours
- Categories: Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert
- Objective: Solve challenge statements, capture flags, and submit detailed reports.
- Evaluation Criteria: Flags captured, report quality, and approach.
Participants must upload their reports on the platform within the deadline to qualify for further rounds. This stage is designed to test a wide range of skills, from technical proficiency to strategic thinking.
Round 2: Advanced Evaluation
- Conducted via Microsoft Teams/Webex or in-person at TCS premises.
- Activities:
- Penetration Testing: Solve advanced hosted challenges in areas such as system exploitation, mobile security, and digital forensics.
- Case Explanation: Present and explain solutions to a jury panel.
- Evaluation Criteria: Technical accuracy, approach, and presentation skills.
Eligibility
The contest is open to students graduating in 2025 from recognized institutions in India with degrees such as:
| Degree | Examples of Specializations |
|---|---|
| B.Tech/B.E. | Engineering Disciplines |
| M.Tech/M.E. | Advanced Engineering |
| BCA/MCA | Computer Applications |
| B.Sc/M.Sc | Science Streams |
Participants must provide necessary documents to verify their eligibility and academic credentials.
Registration Process
- Visit HackQuest Website.
- Create a TCS NextStep reference ID (CT/DT number) via TCS NextStep.
- Use the reference ID to complete the HackQuest registration.
- Secure the unique credential provided for participation (do not share).
Key Guidelines
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Participation | Individual only; team entries not allowed. |
| Fees | No participation or registration fees. |
| Tools | Use recommended tools; avoid excessive traffic-generating tools. |
| Reports | Must be original and adhere to provided templates. |
| Compliance | Violations may result in disqualification. |
Domains of Expertise
Participants with knowledge in the following domains will have an advantage:
- Application Security
- Network Security
- Ethical Hacking
- Digital Forensics
- Threat Hunting
- Malware Analysis/Reverse Engineering
Certifications like Security+, CEH, and ISO 27001 are beneficial but not mandatory. A solid grasp of cybersecurity principles and practical application skills will be key to success.
Prizes and Opportunities
| Reward | Details |
|---|---|
| Cash Prizes | Total worth up to INR 5 Lakhs. |
| Job Offers | Potential Ninja or Digital roles at TCS. |
| Certification | Merit certificates for top performers. |
| Interaction | Engage with TCS leadership during award ceremonies. |
| Exclusive Roles | Exceptional performers may work with TCS Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence. |
Evaluation Criteria
Round 1:
- Flags captured.
- Quality of report.
- Creativity and problem-solving approach.
Round 2:
- Technical precision during penetration testing.
- Explanation and defense of solutions.
- Depth of understanding showcased through detailed analysis.
Important Rules
- Submissions must be original and free of plagiarism.
- Content violating laws or promoting discrimination is prohibited.
- Participants are expected to adhere strictly to all ethical guidelines.
- TCS reserves the right to modify contest rules and reject submissions that do not meet standards.
Register Now for TCS Hackquest : https://tcshackquest.tcsapps.com