With the year of 2024 coming to an end, the OSINT and cybersecurity community gear up for an exciting month of learning, testing, and growing their skills. Are you up for the challenge?
I am a big proponent of continuous learning, especially in the ever-changing field of OSINT. There is always something new to read, explore, and test. That is why December is my favourite month! With so many new challenges online to keep me entertained (and borderline sleep deprived), I always end the year feeling energised and full ideas.
Whist some platforms such as TryHackMe have been creating daily tasks for cybersecurity enthusiasts on their “Advent of Cyber” for years, other newcomers in the OSINT field are clearly here to stay. In 2023, OSINT4Fun launched the first “Advent of OSINT”, and this year they are back for more! They are not alone, as OSINT Switzerland has joined in the fun with their “Santa Claus CTF”.
And do you know the best thing about all these challenges? They are all educational and completely free! Can’t beat that combination. Even better, TryHackMe’s “Advent of Cyber” and OSINT4Fun “Advent of OSINT” include video walkthroughs that explain how to solve each challenge. But don’t let that discourage you from diving into OSINT Switzerland’s “Santa Claus CTF”, because this is where you can shine. With so many people racing to solve the daily challenges, will you be the first to find the answer and share a guide to help others get there as well, or will you keep your secrets to yourself? Up to you, no judgement there.
So what is the difference between all these platforms?
TryHackMe – Advent of Cyber 2024
“Advent of Cyber”, hosted on the TryHackMe platform, is a well established cybersecurity learning experience. Similarly to previous years, Advent of Cyber 2024 will feature challenges covering topics such as penetration testing, cloud security, log analysis, digital forensics and incident response, and web application testing. Whilst OSINT is not a primary focus, the skills gained from these challenges will definitely be useful for any good open source analyst. The platform also offer US $100K in prizes for users who participate (and complete) the challenges.
If your heart is more into OSINT and/or cybersecurity challenges are not really up your alley, I suggest focusing on the following two OSINT Advent Calendars instead. They will help you build your skills, track your progress on rankings and scoreboards, and most importantly, have fun.
OSINT4Fun – Advent of OSINT 2024
This year OSINT4Fun collaborated with various OSINT enthusiasts and professionals to create the 24 challenges for their “Advent of OSINT.” I can reveal that two of them were created by me. Let’s see if you will be able to tell which ones! The platform allows you to participate individually or as a team, with “Individual Ranking” and “Team Ranking” visible for all to see. Solutions to each challenge will be live streamed by KrowZ and posted on the OSINT4Fun YouTube channel the following day. Having seen him solve several of my OSINT Exercises I’m sure it will be good!
OSINT Switzerland – Santa Claus CTF 2024
Last but definitely not least, OSINT Switzerland is lauching their first OSINT Advent, just months after their association’s debut. Similarly to the other two, the platform allows users to register and have their achievements displayed on the scoreboard. If you are passionate about OSINT and enjoy a good storyline, this is the platform for you! In the Santa Claus CTF (Capture The Flag) challenge, it is up to you to help Santa and save Christmas. Are you up to the challenge?
Whether you are in it for the prizes, the ability to participate as a team, or an engaging storyline, December is truly the best month of the year! As 2024 comes to a close, dedicate some time each day to learn and upskill in OSINT. You won’t regret it.
Here’s to a December full of learning and discovery!
~Sofia.
Edited to add on 1 December 2024:
I have been informed there’s yet another OSINT Advent event this year! Osmosis Association created a “25 Days of Christmas CTF“. Give it a check. We are certainly spoiled for choice this year! Who needs sleep anyway..?!
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