Ucom and Microsoft Innovation Center’s Cybersecurity Education Program Concludes with a Mini CTF Competition

The “Cybersecurity Education Program for Schoolchildren,” implemented by the Microsoft Innovation Center with the support of Ucom, concluded with a Mini CTF (Capture The Flag) competition, bringing together 61 graduates across 19 teams. Competing on a Jeopardy-style CTF platform, the participants tackled challenges of varying difficulty covering fundamental cybersecurity topics.

The competition challenges were based on realistic scenarios. Working in teams, participants solved a range of cybersecurity tasks, applying their technical knowledge, logical thinking, and teamwork skills. The competition provided them with an opportunity to put into practice the knowledge and skills they had acquired throughout the program.

“Armenia’s digital development depends not only on modern infrastructure, but also on people who can navigate the digital environment safely, responsibly, and confidently. That is why it is important for Ucom to contribute to developing cybersecurity knowledge and practical skills among students at an early age. Through this initiative, we aim to develop young people’s capabilities and spark their interest in technology-related careers, contributing to the development of Armenia’s future technology community,” said Ralph Yirikian, General Director of Ucom.

All program participants received certificates of participation and incentive prizes.

“The Mini CTF was a logical and important final stage of the program. It was essential for us that participants not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also have the opportunity to apply it in a realistic environment. Such an experience develops not only technical skills, but also analytical thinking, the ability to collaborate, and self-confidence,” said Marie Barseghyan, Director of the Microsoft Innovation Center.

The program, implemented with the support of Ucom, was open to schoolchildren aged 14–17.

Throughout the course, participants learned about modern digital threats, the key tools and principles for protecting against them, and gained an understanding of career opportunities in the field of cybersecurity. The Mini CTF competition served as the final practical challenge, allowing participants to apply the knowledge and skills they had acquired throughout the program.

The initiative marked another step in the cooperation between Ucom and the Microsoft Innovation Center, contributing to the development of young people’s digital literacy and technological skills in Armenia.