As VERDESEC continued to expand its sharing sessions beyond online platforms, we also began bringing hands-on cybersecurity learning directly to students on campus. One of these sessions was a physical sharing titled “Keep Calm and Hack The Box,” held at TAR UMT for students who were interested in getting started with practical penetration testing and lab-based learning.
Unlike our online sessions, this event was conducted face-to-face, allowing for a more interactive and guided learning environment. Due to venue limitations, participation was capped at 35 attendees, which created a smaller setting that was well suited for step-by-step discussion and close engagement with participants.
The session was designed for beginners who were curious about Hack The Box but unsure where to start. For many students, platforms like Hack The Box can feel overwhelming at first, especially when they are unfamiliar with the mindset, tools, and workflow involved in solving machines. This sharing aimed to make that first step less intimidating by introducing the platform in a more structured and approachable way.
We began by walking participants through how a beginner can get started with Hack The Box, including how to setup the VPN or attackbox, how to start a machine then connect onto it, and how to stay methodical when facing unfamiliar systems. Rather than treating the platform as something only advanced players could tackle, the session focused on showing that with the right guidance and persistence, it can also be an excellent learning tool for newcomers.
To make the session more practical, we then guided participants through two easy Hack The Box machines, solving them step by step together. This gave attendees a chance to see how the process works from start to finish, from initial reconnaissance all the way to identifying weaknesses and progressing toward a solution. By breaking down the workflow clearly, the session helped participants understand not just what to do, but also why each step matters.
The physical format made a real difference in the learning experience. Participants were able to follow along more closely, ask questions in real time, and better understand the reasoning behind each action. This created a supportive atmosphere that encouraged beginners to explore, ask questions, and gain confidence in approaching practical cybersecurity challenges.
| Activity Details: | |
|---|---|
| Venue: | Physical |
| Price: | FREE |
| Participants: | 35 |
| Level: | Beginner |
