Cybersecurity Challenge 2026: How the Individual Cybersecurity Competition for High School Students Went

On May 30, American University Kyiv hosted Cybersecurity Challenge 2026 — an intensive individual cybersecurity competition for high school students, organized in partnership with EPAM School of Digital Technologies. Participants solved real-world challenges on a custom-built CTF platform.

The event lasted approximately 4 hours and brought together high school students interested in IT and cybersecurity. Participants tackled progressive challenges ranging from beginner to advanced levels. The platform tracked progress in real time, with the live leaderboard updating throughout the competition.

Event recap:

1:30 PM — Arrival & Check-in

2:00 PM — Competition Began

4:00 PM — Lunch Break

6:00 PM — Competition Ended

6:00–6:40 PM — Networking

7:00 PM — Awards Ceremony

All participants received prizes, and winner earned the opportunity to study at AUK on a full scholarship.