Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) proudly hosted the highly anticipated International Battle of Hackers (IBOH) 2024, an event that further solidified its reputation as a leader in cybersecurity education and innovation on 28th September 2024.

Organised by APU’s Forensic & Cybersecurity Research Centre - Student Section (FSEC-SS), IBOH 2024 not only showcased the rising talents of the cybersecurity community but also introduced an exciting hybrid competition format that engaged participants both on-campus and online.

Key contributors of IBOH 2024 included:

1. Ms Nor Azlina Abdul Rahman (Senior Lecturer, School of Technology at APU)
2. Ms Noris Ismail (Senior Lecturer, School of Technology at APU)

IBOH 2024 brought together 160 competitive teams, totaling 465 participants from universities across the globe, challenging their technical prowess through a series of rigorous cybersecurity exercises.

Innovative Challenges elevate Cyber Skills and Resilience

The competition took a jeopardy-style Capture the Flag (CTF) format, challenging participants to solve complex problems in cryptography, web exploitation, binary exploitation, and the newly added artificial intelligence category.

This strategic blend of intense cybersecurity challenges pushed participants to their limits, fostering essential skills in problem-solving and critical thinking, while rewarding their resilience, perseverance, and creativity. 

Hands-On learning and exciting Mysteries enrich the Experience

Running concurrently was the Forensics Game 2024, an engaging mystery-themed CTF event tailored to freshmen and sophomores.

The Forensics Game encouraged participants to uncover hidden clues around the APU campus, fostering hands-on learning in digital forensics.

Adding to the excitement, a prerequisite workshop titled “Network analysis with Wireshark” was conducted by Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet), providing fundamental knowledge on packet analysis and network forensics. 

Insights from Industry Leaders on securing Digital Transactions

The day culminated with a dynamic cybersecurity forum titled “Securing Digital Transactions,” featuring notable industry figures such as:

1. Mr Meling Mudin, Chief Information Security Officer at PayNet
2. Mr Khairul Naim Zainal Abidin, Chief Security Strategy Officer at Nexagate
3. Mr Farzan Nobi, Pentest Specialist at DTS Solution Dubai
4. Mr Sinbad Zhou, Chief Information Security Officer at Ant International

Moderated by Ts Dr Vinesha Selvarajah (Associate Professor, School of Computing at APU), the forum highlighted emerging threats and explored solutions for safeguarding digital infrastructure, offering participants valuable insights into the evolving cybersecurity landscape. 

Launch of comprehensive Cybersecurity Guides at IBOH 2024

In IBOH 2024, APIIT Education Group and APU’s Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer Professor Ir EurIng Ts Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam officiated the launch of two comprehensive cybersecurity guides authored by the FSEC-SS advisory team:

1. Battle of Hackers: Web Exploitation
2. Battle of Hackers: Return of the Legends CTF

These resources, co-authored by Ms Nor Azlina along with FSEC-SS committee members; Roheendeer Singh Sahota for Battle of Hackers: Web Exploitation and Chai Cheng Xun and Jeremy Phang Kah Chun for Battle of Hackers: Return of the Legends CTF, are poised to become invaluable guides for aspiring cybersecurity professionals around the globe, with both books now readily available on Amazon for those looking to expand their expertise in cybersecurity. 

Celebrating Success and Commitment to Cybersecurity Excellence

The success of IBOH 2024 highlights the remarkable dedication and hard work of the APU community, particularly the FSEC-SS committee, whose tireless efforts were instrumental in bringing this event to life.

This remarkable achievement not only enhances APU’s reputation in the cybersecurity field but also reinforces APU’s unwavering commitment to cultivating the next generation of digital defenders, ensuring a brighter and more secure future in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.