Education
Cybersecurity showdown: Missouri vs. Wisconsin level-up their defenders with a CTF
Missouri and Wisconsin went head to head in a 24-hour CTF, sharpening real-world cyber skills and driving public sector workforce development across states. Read all about it!
diskordia,
Nov 19
2025
When Missouri’s Office of Public Safety and Wisconsin Emergency Management decided to face off in a 24-hour Capture the Flag (CTF) event, it was never about bragging rights. It was about coming together to build a stronger, smarter cybersecurity workforce.
And Hack The Box was—of course—thrilled to make that happen. The very first Missouri vs. Wisconsin Workforce Development CTF saw nearly 40 cybersecurity professionals and aspiring blue teamers face off in a high-stakes, gamified environment.
Over the course of a day, teams put their wits to the test, sharpened their technical skills, and learned the kind of adaptability every real-world cyber defender needs.
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Bridging state lines and skills gaps with collaboration
Cybersecurity doesn’t stop at state borders, so neither did this challenge. The CTF showcased the power of cross-state collaboration, giving participants a unique opportunity to simulate adversarial scenarios that demanded teamwork, quick thinking, and strategic problem-solving.
Participants were launched into real-world challenges inspired by current threat landscapes, testing their ability to think like attackers while defending critical infrastructure. Whether cracking forensic puzzles or defending simulated systems, players had to stay agile under pressure.
Feedback from the frontlines
Feedback from players highlighted what makes hands-on training so effective: immersion.
“More exposure to tools and realizing the need to keep bouncing between challenges when getting caught on one.”
“Trying new approaches, adapting, if you are stuck by reviewing the challenge/files, etc.”
“[The CTF] shows what's possible for determined adversaries, which I can show to end users to motivate compliance with security controls.”
One participant commented how the CTF “showed what's possible for determined adversaries,” helping them communicate risk to end users more effectively. Others came away more confident, with forensic tools and techniques they can apply directly on the job.
Building defenders who make an impact
Cybersecurity training should do something, not just teach theory and check boxes. Events like this turn learning into action and insights, helping states, schools, and public sector teams build real-world resilience where it matters most: under pressure.
Every player walks away with a Certificate of Completion that proves measurable progress and practical skill. TL;DR: it’s much more than another fun CTF. This is a launchpad for growth, confidence, and cyber resilience on your team.
