Representing RMIT Vietnam were the School of Science, Engineering & Technology’s students Nguyen An Nhien, Dao Ngoc Huy and Pham Minh Dat.
The students said this year's challenges were significantly more demanding than previous editions, reflecting the growing sophistication of AI-enabled technologies and cybersecurity threats. Many tasks required multi-step solutions, extensive trial and error, and the ability to apply technical knowledge to scenarios that closely mirrored real-world situations.
They shared that success relied heavily on teamwork.
“We tackled problems across multiple traditional disciplines of CTF (Capture the Flag) such as web exploitation, forensics and cryptography, with the addition of AI and IoT hybrid challenges. The work was split between us based on our strengths, and we helped each other out whenever we stumbled upon a roadblock. It was through strong collaborative effort that we managed to address the challenges we were given.”
The second-place finish marked the culmination of a year of preparation following last year's competition. Reflecting on the achievement, the team said they were proud to see their efforts translate into a significant win and encouraged future competitors to trust their preparation and abilities.
The students are active members of the RMIT Vietnam Cybersecurity Hub, a student-led community that supports skills development through practical challenges, peer learning and industry engagement.
Dr James Kang, Senior Lecturer in Computing Technologies at RMIT Vietnam and the team’s mentor, said the result reflected the students’ commitment and effort.
He noted that competitions such as CSCV allow students to apply classroom knowledge in practical settings while strengthening their teamwork and problem-solving skills, and adaptability. These experiences are becoming increasingly valuable as AI continues to reshape the cybersecurity landscape and industry expectations.
He encouraged students interested in cybersecurity to seek opportunities beyond the classroom, engage with learning communities and gain hands-on experience wherever possible.
The team's achievement at this year’s CSCV highlights how RMIT Vietnam students continuously develop practical skills, industry readiness and collaborative capabilities through both academic and extracurricular activities.
Story: Ha Hoang
