Ever wondered what it takes to find flaws in top software and gadgets in front of a crowd? Welcome to Pwn2Own Ireland, a top hacking contest. Here, skilled security experts and white hat hackers meet to find new vulnerabilities. It’s sponsored by Trend Micro and offers big cash prizes and the Master of Pwn title.
The event is set for October 22nd to 25th, 2024, in Cork, Ireland. It challenges participants in seven complex categories. You’ll need to show off your skills live at the event. The prizes include up to $300,000 USD for a 0-click exploit on WhatsApp and more for creative hacks.
But first, you need to meet certain rules and sign up on time. Keep reading to learn how to join and shine in the cybersecurity world. 
Introduction to Pwn2Own Ireland
The Pwn2Own contest is a top cybersecurity competition. It attracts the best white hat hackers globally. Held in Ireland, it’s backed by Trend Micro. It highlights the creativity and skill needed to find weaknesses in software and hardware.
This event is a key driver for security research progress. It’s a showcase of hacking talent.
The contest features different challenges, like hacking mobile phones and messenger apps. Last year, the Toronto event gave out $1,038,500 for 58 unique hacks. The SOHO Smashup category offered $100,000 for hacking two devices in 30 minutes.
Those taking part must meet strict deadlines. Registration closes at 5:00 p.m. Irish Standard Time on October 17th, 2024. They need to submit a detailed whitepaper on their exploit chain.
Winners can get big rewards. For example, $250,000 for a full exploit on an iPhone or Pixel. Or $300,000 for a 0-click exploit in the Messenger App category.
The Pwn2Own contest is more than just about money. It’s a chance for ethical hackers to help improve global cybersecurity. Each successful hack brings financial rewards and Master of Pwn points. It’s a crucial event for the latest in security research.
History and Evolution of Pwn2Own
The Pwn2Own history is a tale of innovation and competition in cybersecurity. It started as a way to show off software exploits. Now, it’s a major cyber security contest, attracting hackers from all over.
Origins and Global Journey
It all began with mobile devices, then grew to include more categories. First held in Vancouver, Pwn2Own has traveled the world. It’s been in Amsterdam, Tokyo, Austin, and Toronto.
Now, it’s in Ireland, at the Trend Micro Cork office. This mix of competition and local culture is unique. Events are held at places like the Cork City Gaol.
Past Highlights
- Pwn2Own’s history is filled with teamwork with big names like Meta and Synology. They’ve brought in new categories and sponsors.
- It’s found over 70 zero-day vulnerabilities. Hackers have won up to $1 million in prizes.
- Recently, it’s shown off exploits on big devices like the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Sonos Era. This shows its importance.
- At Pwn2Own Ireland, hackers showed off by finding 52 zero-day vulnerabilities. This set the bar high for the competition.
Categories and Prizes at Pwn2Own Ireland
Pwn2Own Ireland has a range of hacking categories for cybersecurity fans. It includes everything from smartphones and surveillance systems to network-attached storage. Participants can win big Pwn2Own prizes and even get cybersecurity awards for their creative hacks.
Mobile Phones
The Mobile Phones category is very popular. Teams target top brands like Samsung and Google. They aim to find bugs in the latest software.
Messenger Apps
Messenger Apps is another hot category. WhatsApp, a top messaging app, is often targeted. Hackers look for ways to get to private info. Winning here means big Pwn2Own prizes.
Surveillance Systems
The Surveillance Systems category includes advanced security devices. Hackers try to find weaknesses in cameras and routers. A big prize of $10,000 is up for grabs for finding a bug in QNAP TS-464 NAS.
The SOHO Smashup
The SOHO Smashup category is very interesting. It involves home tech like hubs, printers, and smart speakers. Contestants can win extra for showing off Add-on Bonuses in these tech mixes.
Pwn2Own Ireland offers over $1,000,000 in prizes. Last year, they gave out $874,875. With categories like Smart Speakers and Home Automation Hubs, there are many chances to win. The competition helps find and fix tech vulnerabilities, making our digital world safer.
Pwn2Own Ireland: Eligibility Criteria
If you’re thinking about joining Pwn2Own Ireland, you need to know the eligibility rules. These rules make sure the competition is fair and ethical.
First, you must be at least the legal age in your country. This rule is important to follow international laws. Also, people from countries under US sanctions can’t take part in Pwn2Own participation. This rule is due to global laws and politics.
It’s important to note that Trend Micro employees and their affiliates can’t enter. This rule keeps the contest fair and prevents any unfair advantages. Contestants must also follow all technology and software export controls at the event. This ensures they meet global standards.
For those in the public sector or education, there’s an extra rule. They must check that their participation doesn’t break any professional ethics codes. This rule makes sure their actions during the contest are ethical and professional.
The rules for Pwn2Own are designed to celebrate innovative and ethical hacking. They also keep the contest legal and professional. So, the eligibility rules and qualifications for Pwn2Own make sure everyone has a fair chance. They focus on both legality and professionalism in ethical hacking.
Registration Process and Deadlines
To get into the Pwn2Own Ireland competition, you need to follow a clear process. This ensures only the top hackers can show off their skills. It’s a tough test of cybersecurity.
Steps to Register
The first step is to email the event sponsor, Trend Micro. You must say which categories you want to enter and create a Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) Researcher account. Each entry should have unique exploit chains for each category.
After confirming your email and setting up your ZDI account, fill out a Registration Questionnaire and Case Entry form. These are key to checking your entries before the contest.
Important Deadlines
The deadlines for the competition are just as important. The last day to register is October 17th, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Irish Standard Time. Meeting these deadlines helps ensure a smooth entry and completes all necessary paperwork on time.
By paying attention to these deadlines, hackers can improve their tactics. With over $1,300,000 in prizes, a well-prepared registration can lead to success.
Event Schedule and Venue
The Pwn2Own Ireland event is set to start on October 22nd and end on October 25th, 2024. It will be held in Cork, Ireland, with the Trend Micro office as the main venue. The event will feature a wide range of activities, making it engaging for everyone involved.
Dates and Location
Cork, Ireland, will be the beautiful backdrop for the Pwn2Own event. It will begin on October 22nd and conclude on October 25th. The Trend Micro office in Cork will host the main competition, thanks to its modern facilities and convenient location.
Detailed Itinerary
The event’s schedule is designed to highlight participants’ skills and provide networking chances. Here’s what you can expect:
- Day 1 (October 22nd, 2024): The event starts with an opening ceremony and a random drawing to set the order of exploits.
- Day 2 (October 23rd, 2024): The focus shifts to mobile phones, messenger apps, and surveillance systems as participants showcase their skills.
- Day 3 (October 24th, 2024): The competition continues with more exploits and special sessions on SOHO Smashup. There will also be presentations and networking events.
- Day 4 (October 25th, 2024): The event concludes with a grand finale and awards ceremony at Cork City Gaol. It will be followed by a closing ceremony and celebratory activities.
Each day will be filled with intense hacking challenges. It’s a chance for cybersecurity experts to come together and tackle today’s security issues. This event promises a competitive atmosphere and the exchange of new ideas.
Rules and Compliance for Contestants
At Pwn2Own Ireland, contestants must follow strict rules to keep the competition fair and honest. These rules help protect the event’s integrity and keep participants safe from legal issues.
Rule Overview
Everyone must give correct personal and registration details. This means being truthful about who you are and where you work. If you work for a company, you must say so when you sign up.
People working for the government need their bosses’ okay to join. It’s also important to follow local and international rules on exporting goods. Breaking these rules means you won’t be allowed to play.
Compliance Requirements
Following cybersecurity rules is key at Pwn2Own. You can’t work for certain companies, must be old enough, and can’t live in countries the US has banned. Also, you must sign up on time. The deadline is 5:00 p.m. Irish Standard Time on October 17th, 2024.
The contest will take place from October 22nd to 25th, 2024, in Cork, Ireland.
- Provide accurate and honest registration information.
- Declare company representation during registration if applicable.
- Public-sector employees must have organisational approval.
- Adhere to local and international export controls.
- Meet age and residency requirements as per Pwn2Own regulations.
Following these rules makes sure everyone has a fair chance. This keeps Pwn2Own Ireland respected in the hacking world.
Past Achievements and Notable Hacks
Pwn2Own Ireland has been a highlight for many skilled hackers. It has seen many successes and notable hacks over the years. These achievements have made it a key event in the cybersecurity world.
Successful Exploits
In 2024, hackers at Pwn2Own Ireland found over 15 different device vulnerabilities. They earned $847,875 in prizes. The Viettel Cyber Security team’s hack of the Samsung Galaxy S24 was a big win, earning them $50,000.
They also impressed by hacking the Sonos Era 300 smart speaker for $30,000. The event showed how smart home tech is being targeted. For example, the HP Color LaserJet Pro printer was hacked for $10,000.
Another big win was the QNAP TS-464 NAS hack. The hackers earned $20,000 by chaining two bugs together.
High Earners and Leading Teams
The competition saw top hackers and teams shine. Viettel Cyber Security led the “Master of Pwn” standings. They showed great skill in exploiting many targets.
Teams like Neodyme also did well, earning $21,875. They faced challenges but still did great. The event featured hacks on everything from car systems to smart homes.
Pwn2Own Ireland 2024 was a big success. It brought together 17 white hat hacker teams from 9 countries. They found 49 unique bugs and earned big rewards.
Master of Pwn Title and Points System
The Master of Pwn title is the top prize in the Pwn2Own contest. It comes with a trophy, special swag, and a big increase in ZDI reward points. This makes the winner an instant Platinum member for 2025. Contestants get points for each successful hack, boosting their skills in cybersecurity.
In the latest Pwn2Own event in Toronto, the skills on display were amazing. The contestants earned $1,038,500 for 58 unique hacks. This shows the high level of cybersecurity skills among them.
In the Mobile Phones category, there’s a chance to win $300,000 and 30 Master of Pwn points. This is for a complete hack that reaches the kernel level on an iPhone or Pixel. The SOHO Smashup category offers $100,000 and 10 Master of Pwn points. This is for hacking a router’s WAN port and then getting into another device in 30 minutes. These challenges show the need for deep knowledge and strategy.
The points system has big benefits:
- It encourages consistent effort across many attempts and categories.
- It shows off top cybersecurity skills.
- It builds hacker ranking points, improving professional profiles and opening new doors.
Getting the Master of Pwn title is more than just a win. It proves a hacker’s endless drive for innovation and mastery in cybersecurity. The path to becoming the Master of Pwn is marked by hard work and a deep grasp of cybersecurity.
Pwn2Own Ireland
Pwn2Own Ireland is a key event in the ethical hacking community. It’s a top cybersecurity talent showcase. So far, it has awarded $874,875, just $125,125 shy of $1,000,000.
Many devices have been successfully exploited. Some highlights include:
- $10,000 for exploiting the QNAP TS-464 NAS, earning 4 Master of Pwn points.
- $20,000 for successfully targeting the Synology BeeStation through multiple vulnerabilities, fetching another 4 points.
- $25,000 awarded for moving from the QNAP QHora-322 to the Lexmark printer utilising two vulnerabilities, along with 10 points.
The Pwn2Own Ireland event is filled with excitement. It has side events and is set in Ireland. It shows off the skills of top cybersecurity researchers.
On Day 1, over 50 unique zero-day bugs were found. This shows the skill of the participants.
On Day 2, Viettel Cyber Security led with 33 Master of Pwn points and $205,000 in rewards. Other highlights include:
- DEVCORE Research Team securing $20,000 and 4 points for exploiting the Synology BeeStation.
- PHP Hooligans / Midnight Blue earning $25,000 and 10 points by exploiting the QNAP QHora-322 router and Lexmark printer.
- Team Smoking Barrels pocketing $20,000 and 2 points for successfully breaching the TrueNAS X.
The cybersecurity talent showcase is getting bigger. It has a prize pool over $1 million and over 70 zero-day vulnerabilities found. Pwn2Own Ireland is known for its role in advancing cybersecurity.
Conclusion
Pwn2Own Ireland is more than just a competition. It’s a key event in the world of cybersecurity. It offers a place where real-world hacking skills are tested and valuable insights are gained.
This year, the event found 52 zero-day vulnerabilities on its first day. This shows how important it is for improving our digital defences.
The hacking contest recap shows the amazing talent out there. A total of $486,250 was given to those who found vulnerabilities. Viettel Cyber Security was a standout, earning 13 points towards the “Master of Pwn” title.
High rewards were given for some exploits. For example, $100,000 was awarded for a complex attack on the QNAP QHora-322 and TrueNAS Mini X. This attack used nine different bugs, showing the skill and effort involved.
The Pwn2Own Ireland summary shows how vital the event is for cybersecurity innovation. Finding and fixing vulnerabilities makes our technology safer. The 15th anniversary of Pwn2Own in Vancouver highlights its lasting impact.
The competition has strict rules and options for remote participation. This ensures fairness and lets the best minds show their skills. It helps make our digital world safer.
