Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Capture-The-Flag competition featuring Jeopardy (hybrid) and Attack & Defense (on-campus) categories
- Challenges span reverse engineering, web security, boot2root, forensics, cryptography, OSINT and threat-hunting
- Open to local and international student teams
- Hosted by the Forensic & Cybersecurity Research Centre Student Section (FSEC-SS) at Asia Pacific University
- Industry partners include PayNet, MDEC, Ant International, AWS, CREST, Kaspersky and CyberSecurity Malaysia
About the Competition
The International Battle of Hackers (IBOH) 2026 is an annual Capture-The-Flag cybersecurity competition taking place on 14 November 2026 at Asia Pacific University in Kuala Lumpur. The one-day, team-based event is organised by the Forensic & Cybersecurity Research Centre Student Section (FSEC-SS) and welcomes both local and international student participants.
The competition runs two distinct categories. The Jeopardy category operates as a hybrid event, allowing teams to compete on-campus or online. The Attack & Defense category requires on-campus attendance, with teams simultaneously defending their own systems while attempting to compromise opponents.
Technical Disciplines
Challenges test offensive and defensive security skills across multiple domains: reverse engineering, web security, boot2root scenarios, digital forensics, cryptography, Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and threat-hunting. This breadth requires participants to demonstrate proficiency across the cybersecurity spectrum rather than specialising in a single area.
Prizes and Industry Support
Past editions have featured prizes including OffSec PGP subscriptions and CPSA vouchers. Industry sponsors and partners have included PayNet, MDEC, Ant International, AWS, CREST, Kaspersky and CyberSecurity Malaysia, providing participants with exposure to potential employers and professional certification pathways.
Who Should Participate
The competition targets university students studying cybersecurity, computer science, information security and digital forensics. Cybersecurity club members and student societies seeking hands-on experience beyond academic coursework will find the event provides practical application of theoretical knowledge alongside networking opportunities with industry professionals.