--- Overview Learning cybersecurity requires hands-on experience, and an AWS Skills to Jobs Capture the Flag event, powered by SANS, provides that environment. Join us for a multi-day learning experience that allows you to test your skills, develop new ones, and potentially earn access to training and certification that supports continued growth. Difficulty, topics, and format During this multi-day CTF, you'll have the opportunity to w ork through hands-on cybersecurity challenges while you c ompete with peers across the globe. The event uses a Q&A style challenge format, providing a clean, structured way to work through each task without the setup complexity of traditional cyber ranges. The CTF increases in difficulty as you progress, including: Introductory challenges for those new to cybersecurity Intermediate challenges for learners building technical depth Advanced challenges for experienced participants Topics include web security, data analysis, and encryption into exploits, forensics, and penetration testing. Participants may complete challenges at any time between the opening ceremony and the end of the competition. Daily working sessions of 2 to 3 hours are recommended. Challenges are browser based and can be viewed in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and more using your browser’s translation features. Prizes Top performers will earn no-cost access to SANS training for further cyber skills development, including four prize categories: Prize Category Prize Overall top finishers 1-3 A license to SEC401, Security Essentials Overall top finishers 4-6 A license to SEC480, AWS Secure Builder Overall top finishers 7-9 A license to SEC495, Leveraging LLMs Regional top 20 finishers (per country) 6-month access to SANS SkillQuests by NetWars Who can sign up? The event is open to all students from participating AWS Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance institutions across the US, Latin America, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions. Timeline The event will include the following milestones/portions: Live kickoff : March 11, 2026 10-11a ET Participation window : March 11, 2026 10a ET - March 13, 2026 10p ET Deadline to submit work : March 13, 2026 10p ET Live closing ceremony : March 16, 2026 10-10:30a ET You'll be able to progress through the challenges between the opening ceremony and the deadline, and top finishers will be revealed during the live closing ceremonies. System requirements to participate Participants will need: A comptuer or laptop with at least 8GB of RAM Reliable internet access A modern web browser A windows, Mac or Linux workstation VMware downloaded and installed on your workstation: Windows 10 - VMware Workstation Pro 16.2.X+ Windows 11 - VMware Workstation Pro 17.0.0+ macOS - VMWare Fusion Pro 12.2+ How to prepare (optional) Participants can prepare for the event in two ways: Attend the AWS Skills to Jobs preparation session(s) Option 1: February 18, 2026 at 10-11 AM ET (AMER/EMEA friendly) Option 2: February 25, 2026 at 11PM-midnight ET (APJ friendly) 2. Practice with cybersecurity online learning materials Details on how to access the prep session(s) and the practice content will be shared by the AWS team after you RSVP. Why AWS and SANS The SANS Institute provides cybersecurity training built around real-world, hands-on experience. Courses are taught by practitioners who work directly in the field. Labs and scenarios mirror challenges faced by security professionals. SANS training aligns with GIAC certifications, which are valued across the industry. SANS Institute and AWS collaborate to deliver practical cybersecurity skill development that aligns with workforce needs. This collaboration supports realistic training environments, measurable challenges, and learning pathways that prepare AWS Skills to Jobs learners for cloud and cybersecurity roles. Disclaimer : By registering for this AWS Skills to Jobs event, you agree that your registration information may be shared with other event participants (including employers and candidates) to facilitate networking and recruitment opportunities. AWS handles your information as described in the AWS Privacy Notice . You can withdraw your consent to information sharing at any time and your information will only be retained for the duration necessary to facilitate event participation and follow-up activities, after which it will be deleted in accordance with AWS data retention policies. How it Works 1 Register Click REGISTER, create a Brazen account, and complete your registration form to sign up. 2 Get Ready Follow the directions in email(s) from SANS to set up your device/account and prepare for the event. 3 Stay Updated Look out for updates via email, including reminders about preparing for the event. Organized by AWS Skills to Jobs