Risk Management
Pwn2Own: The World’s Most Elite Hacking Competition Heads to Cork
Later this month (22-25th October 2024), Trend Micro's Cork office will be buzzing with excitement as it hosts Pwn2Own, one of the most prestigious hacking competitions in the world. Known for its high stakes and technical challenges, Pwn2Own draws elite security researchers from around the globe to exploit previously undiscovered vulnerabilities in software, devices, and even automobiles. The competition offers lucrative cash prizes and the opportunity to take home the very devices the hackers manage to compromise. But beyond the thrill of competition, Pwn2Own plays a critical role in identifying and addressing security flaws before malicious actors can exploit them.
Pwn2Own began in 2007 at the CanSecWest security conference in Vancouver, where the goal was to demonstrate the vulnerabilities in Apple's Mac OS X. Since then, it has expanded into three major events per year, each tackling a wide array of targets, including web browsers, operating systems, enterprise software, IoT devices, and even electric vehicles. The name “Pwn2Own” comes from the requirement to "pwn" (or hack) a target in order to "own" (or win) it.
Over the years, the competition has evolved from a small event with modest prizes to an industry giant. In the early days, hackers walked away with a few thousand dollars. Today, the most successful teams can earn up to $1 million in total prizes. Tesla vehicles, enterprise-level software, and mobile devices are just a few of the high-profile targets in recent competitions. This year’s Cork event is no exception, with participants vying for top honors and the coveted "Master of Pwn" title, awarded to the researcher or team with the most points at the end of the competition.
What makes Pwn2Own so impactful is its role in improving global cybersecurity. All exploits demonstrated during the contest are reported responsibly to the vendors of the affected products. These companies then work to patch the vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by cybercriminals. This collaboration between independent researchers and major technology vendors has made Pwn2Own a pivotal event in driving innovation and strengthening security.
With its arrival in Cork, this month’s event promises to be a spectacle of technical prowess, collaboration, and significant security breakthroughs. Stay tuned as some of the world’s most talented hackers converge to push the boundaries of what’s possible in cybersecurity.
As always, the event will be live-tweeted and blogged, with real-time updates throughout the competition. Follow the latest developments using the hashtag #P2OIreland and be sure to follow @thezdi and @trendmicro on Twitter.
