CY-08Category 08 / 12
Defend the network
Cybersecurity
Teams find and fix security weaknesses, build tools that protect people online and compete in capture-the-flag rounds inside a safe, sandboxed environment.
Cybersecurity is one of 12 competition categories in TechFest Australia, a national technology competition and festival for Australian school students and young innovators. It is open to Secondary (Years 7–12), Tertiary (University or TAFE) and Open (Ages 18–30) entries.
The 2027 challenge
Protect Australians from scams and data breaches: build a tool or program that helps a small business, school or older person spot a threat and respond to it.
Example projects
- Browser extension that flags likely scam messages and explains why
- Home network scanner that finds devices still using default passwords
- Online safety game that teaches primary school students to spot phishing
Season 2027 dates
- Registrations open
- To be announced
- Registrations close
- 19 February 2027
- Proposals due
- 26 February 2027
- National final and festival
- 30 September 2027 to 3 October 2027
Indicative dates, final schedule to be confirmed. The entry fee for the 2027 season will be published before registrations open.