Welcome to the 2026 eCTF!

The Embedded Capture the Flag (eCTF) is an embedded security competition run by MITRE that puts participants through the experience of trying to create a secure system and then learning from their mistakes. The 2026 eCTF will run from January 14 through April 15 with the Award Ceremony on April 24.

Tip

We recommend starting with reading Start Here first to get your bearings. Then, check out Getting Started to start digging into the specifics of the 2026 competition.

Table of Contents

• About the eCTF
  • Scoreboard
  • Scoring System
  • Zulip
• Start Here
• 2026 eCTF
  • Schedule
    • Poster Session
    • 2026 Award Ceremony
  • Getting Started
    • MSP-LITO-L2228 Board
    • Reference Design Boot Walkthrough
    • Docker
    • Machine Setup
    • OpenOCD
  • System Overview
    • Reference Design
    • eCTF Tools
    • eCTF Bootloader
    • eCTF API
  • Technical Specifications
    • Functional Requirements
    • Host Interface
    • Security Requirements
    • Detailed Specifications
  • Flags
    • Design Phase Flags
    • Design Document
    • Debugger Flag
    • Attack Phase Flags and Scenarios
    • Documentation Points
    • Remote Scenario
  • Handoff
    • Automated Testing Service
    • Submission Process
• Rules
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Glossary
• Learning Resources
• Changelog

Archive

• 2024 eCTF
  • 2024 eCTF Getting Started
    • How to Approach the eCTF
    • Machine Setup
    • MAX78000_FTHR
    • eCTF Breakout Board
    • Nix
    • Poetry
    • OpenOCD
    • Learning Resources
    • DAPLink
  • Schedule
  • Automated Testing Service
  • Handoff
  • Poster Session
  • 2024 Award Ceremony
  • Debugger Flag
  • System Architecture
  • Functional Requirements
  • Security Requirements
  • Detailed Specifications
  • Reference Design
  • Host Tools
  • eCTF Bootloader
  • Design Phase Flags
  • Attack Phase Flags and Scenarios
  • Documentation Points
• 2025 eCTF
  • Schedule
    • Poster Session
    • Award Ceremony
  • Getting Started
    • Machine Setup
    • Reference Design Boot Walkthrough
    • MAX78000FTHR Board
    • Docker
    • OpenOCD
    • DAPLink
  • System Overview
    • Reference Design
    • Host Tools
    • eCTF Bootloader
    • Removing the Secure Bootloader
  • Technical Specifications
    • Functional Requirements
    • Security Requirements
    • Detailed Specifications
  • Flags
    • Design Phase Flags
    • Design Document
    • Debugger Flag
    • Attack Phase Flags and Scenarios
    • Documentation Points
    • Pesky Neighbor
  • Handoff
    • Automated Testing Service