Writeup for a Defcon "Hackathon"

[R.P__Null]

Attached is a quick writeup of a marathon based CTF, thought it might be fun for the fit nerds out there.

[Dark Tangent]

For those who don't want to download the txt file I've cut and pasted it here:


Defcon Hackathon
A proposal to increase the physical and mental resiliency within the hacking community.

Purpose:
To increase resiliency in the community by pushing competitors to the utmost of the physical and mental limits, while encouraging maximum participation and inclusitivioty.

The Proposal:
Participants will compete in a jeopardy stylized CTF, consisting of ten targets of increasing difficulty. Before attempting the first target, and before every consecutive target thereafter, participants will run 4217 meters, or 2.62 miles, on a standardized track. Completion of the event shall be measured by the capture of all 10 flags, and the completion of 26.2 miles.

The Spirit of Equality:
In most any competitive organized physical sport, there are gender based divisions, to account for the natural biological and physiological differences between men and women. It is not the authors place to decide; however, the author does see three routes forward:

1) Adopt the standard. Men and women will compete in separate divisions.
2) Allow women to elect individually to participate in the men’s division.
3) Hold a democratic vote among the women competitors, with majority rules.

The author suggests allowing men and women who have transitioned to their identified sex to be allowed to participate with their identified sex. While dissenters may appeal that this isn’t strictly fair, this is not the World Cup or Superbowl, and a small concession can go a long way to ensuring these members feel welcome in the community; which is the most important thing.


In the event of a physical disability, the author proposes several alternatives.
1) 2,500 meters on a rowing machine.
2) 6,000 meters on a stationary bicycle.
3) A volunteer substitute. If a hacker wishes to participate, but is fully unable to complete the physical aspect, they may elect a stand in, to operate in a relay race stylized manner. Again, this is to encourage maximum inclusivity and participation.

Logistics:
A formal call for machines will to be announced $months prior to Defcon; each hacker will submit three machines, of increasing difficulty, and thematically similar.
One a 1 - 10 scale, with 10 being the most difficult:
Machine 1 shall be rated between a 3-4
Machine 2 shall be rated between a 5-7
Machine 3 shall be rated between a 7-9

A variety of operating systems and intended exploit routes should be encouraged and actively sought out.

Organizers will select three sets of machines, totaling nine. The tenth and final machine shall be selected from the remaining pool, as a standalone. It should be chosen on merits of itself individually, and rated between 7-9.

Any hacker who’s machines are chosen will be ineligible to participate in the Hackathon; however they should be formally thanked for their contribution, and given the opportunity to speak in regards their submission prior to the formal closing of the Hackathon.