University of Wollongong, Edith Cowan University, the Australian Signals Directorate, competition Sponsors and supporters invite Australian high school students in years 10-12 to compete in PECAN+ Capture The Flag 2026!
What is PECAN+ CTF?
PECAN+ is a national Capture The Flag (CTF) style cyber security competition for beginner, intermediate and advanced high school-aged students in Years 10 to 12. With challenges spanning cryptography, digital forensics, open source intelligence (OSINT), reverse engineering, steganography, web exploitation and more, there's something for beginners and advanced competitors alike.
New to cyber security? No worries! The Training Day on Saturday will build your skills in cyber security tools, virtual machines, Linux and ethical hacking, with access to a full toolkit powered by Kasm Workspaces.
National prizes are on offer for First, Second and Third placed Teams and top-scoring All Female Teams in each skill Division. All competitors receive a PECAN+ CTF 2026 challenge coin, tee and merch.
Put your problem solving and teamwork to the test and learn cyber security skills in a fun and practical way.
Cost: FREE!
Dates: Saturday 22 August 2026 (Training Day) and Sunday 23 August 2026 (Competition Day)
Times: Approximately 9:30am – 3:30pm each day (TBC)
Location: Wollongong Campus, University of Wollongong
Food & Drinks: Lunch will be provided. Please bring your own snacks or drinks if needed.
Registration: Compete in teams of up to 4 students. If you register individually, you'll be assigned to a team on the day. You can also provide your team members' names at registration.
PECAN+ CTF is made possible through the support of our National Sponsors: Australian Signals Directorate (ASD); KASM Technologies; Australian Information Security Association (AISA); CyberWest Hub; Triskele Labs; the WA Department of Premier and Cabinet, Office of Digital Government.
PECAN+ is founded and led by the Edith Cowan University School of Science in collaboration with universities, TAFEs, government and the greater cyber security ecosystem around Australia.
For more information and past challenges, see pecanplus.org.
#PECANplus2026
