picoCTF: High School Hacking Competition

05/28/2026

Before we fade out this page, we want to say Thank you!
For years, picoCTF: High School Hacking Competition has introduced learners around the world to cybersecurity through hands-on challenges and competition.

We continue the mission under a new name:
CyLab Security Academy

The Academy expands beyond competitions into a broader learning platform focused on cybersecurity, AI security (June 2026), blockchain security, and accessible technical education for students, educators, and lifelong learners worldwide.

This is not the end of picoCTF’s mission.
It is the next evolution of it.

Existing picoCTF users can log in with their current credentials and keep all of their progress.

Thank you to every learner, educator, competitor, volunteer, creator, sponsor, and supporter who helped build this community with us.

The next era starts now. Follow us on here and .bsky.social, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

CyLab Security Academy

05/18/2026

Quick reminder that the CyLab Security Academy is:

✅ Carnegie Mellon-backed
✅ 500+ challenges
✅ 1M learners
✅ Free

Like, free free. No catches.

You belong here.
https://cylabacademy.org/
https://bsky.app/profile/cylabacademy.bsky.social
https://www.instagram.com/cylabsecurityacademy/

Join our new socials for updates and announcements as we wind down our old sites- like this one.

A free cybersecurity education program and competition, created by security experts at Carnegie Mellon University.

05/11/2026

Change can be difficult, but can be necessary to grow.

Join the team as we evolve to the Security Academy!

You belong here.

05/08/2026

Dear PicoCTF followers,

It has been the honor of my life to work with the amazing picoCTF team, which includes Lorrie Cranor, Hanan Hibshi, Megan Kearns, as well as my colleagues, Logan O’Brien, Dante Cannestra, Aadi Jain, and Taylor McCampbell.

I am beholden to everyone I interviewed in our series. Their generosity in sharing expert advice, experiences, and lessons learned are very much appreciated.

Having worked as the RA, interviewer, and social media person for picoCTF has enriched my life in so many ways. It is my hope that during our time together, we at picoCTF were able to share content that added value to your treasure trove of cybersecurity knowledge.

Thank you very much for all your support, feedback, likes, and appreciation for every content we shared.

And as I graduate on May 10th, I will cherish this time together and forever hold the memories in my heart. I promise not to say goodbye. Hopefully, we will touch base again somewhere, sometime soon.

Please remember to follow CyLab Security Academy, as picoCTF is transitioning to this new platform.

Best of luck to all! Let’s keep the momentum going, and make cybersecurity fun!

Sincerely,
Dani Wicklund

05/07/2026

Get ready for a new era in cybersecurity education from Carnegie Mellon University CyLab . The Academy launches May 9, 2026.

Your picoCTF.org credentials and progress remain under The Academy umbrella.

Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/cylabsecurityacademy/
https://bsky.app/profile/cylabacademy.bsky.social

05/06/2026

"Learn cybersecurity" platforms are popping up more and more.

CyLab Security Academy is the one backed by Carnegie Mellon's security and privacy institute.

There's a difference. Follow us and join our evolution on May 9, 2026.

https://bsky.app/profile/cylabacademy.bsky.social
https://www.instagram.com/cylabsecurityacademy/

05/04/2026

Mark your calendars: May 9, 2026. 🗓️

The CyLab Security Academy is going live. We’re taking everything you loved about our previous mission and leveling up.

Pro-tip: You can use your existing login to jump straight back into the action.

Let’s secure the future together. 🎓✨

05/01/2026

Join the Academy on https://www.instagram.com/cylabsecurityacademy/ and .bsky.social

Everything you loved plus more arrives 5/9/2026

04/29/2026

Meet Rebecca Gutosky, an outstanding CS teacher at Canon-McMillan High School, just 30 minutes south of Pittsburgh 💻

From AP Computer Science to Python, C++, AI, and Cybersecurity, Becca is building a future-ready program from the ground up. With new courses on the horizon and big plans in the works, she’s proof that one dedicated educator can make a lasting impact.

We sat down with Becca to talk about her journey into cybersecurity, what it’s like bringing cutting-edge tech education to students in Western PA, and why she believes every student deserves access to these skills.

Can’t wait to share the full interview… coming soon!

04/29/2026

Same team, new mission. Same profiles and progress, new features and content.

CyLab Security Academy 05/09/2026

04/28/2026

📚✏️ Day in the life of a soon-to-be grad 🧠💻

As I walk one last time across campus, I feel lucky to have wonderful memories that makes saying goodbye so hard 🩷

To my parents, family, mentors, professors, TAs, classmates, and friends, thank you for the encouragement and support during the last two years!

Yesterday, I came here to study. Today, that journey is almost done, and Tomorrow is filled with so many possibilities. Thanks to the INI and CMU!

This Master's in AI Engineering & Information Security, my second Master’s degree, has been the most difficult and challenging academic endeavor I have undertaken but definitely the most rewarding! It has transformed me into a much better person equipped with the heart and the skills to face the future!

I am thankful, grateful, and truly blessed 🩷💜