�ۿ۴�ý

Center for Cybersecurity – �ۿ۴�ý Vishing Competition

The �ۿ۴�ý Vishing Competition is an immersive cybersecurity event that challenges participants to apply research, communication, and critical-thinking skills in a live, ethically controlled environment. Designed to simulate real-world social engineering scenarios, the competition provides a unique opportunity for students to experience how human factors influence cybersecurity while operating under strict guidelines that prioritize professionalism, legality, and respect.

What is Vishing?

Vishing, or “voice phishing,” is a form of social engineering where attackers use phone calls to persuade individuals to share information or take specific actions. While commonly associated with malicious activity, understanding how these techniques work is essential for building stronger defenses. The �ۿ۴�ý Vishing Competition reframes these tactics as a learning experience, allowing participants to explore how trust, communication, and decision-making can be influenced in real-world interactions.

How the Competition Works

Teams begin by conducting open-source intelligence (OSINT) research on their assigned organization. Using publicly available information, they develop strategies and pretexts to guide their conversations. During the live-calling portion of the competition, participants engage in real-time phone interactions to gather non-sensitive information, such as general operational details or publicly accessible insights.

All calls are conducted within a carefully defined scope, with strict rules in place to ensure that:

A technical team facilitates all calls, ensuring consistency and compliance with competition guidelines.

What Participants Learn

The competition emphasizes both technical and interpersonal skill development. Participants gain experience in:

Beyond technical skills, the event highlights the importance of human awareness in security, demonstrating how even simple interactions can have meaningful implications.

Judging and Scoring

Teams are evaluated based on a combination of factors, including:

A panel of judges with expertise in cybersecurity and industry practices provides detailed feedback to help participants reflect on their performance and continue developing their skills.

A Unique Learning Experience

The �ۿ۴�ý Vishing Competition is designed for participants of all experience levels. Whether new to cybersecurity or building on existing knowledge, students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and engage in a challenging, supportive environment.

The event also includes opportunities for audience engagement, mentorship, and post-competition reflection, making it both an educational and memorable experience.

Why It Matters

As organizations increasingly recognize the role of human behavior in cybersecurity, understanding social engineering has never been more important. The �ۿ۴�ý Vishing Competition provides a safe and structured environment to explore these concepts, helping participants build awareness, confidence, and practical skills that extend far beyond the competition.

Get Involved

The �ۿ۴�ý Vishing Competition continues to grow as a signature event for the Center for Cybersecurity. Students, mentors, judges, and industry partners all play a vital role in making the competition a success.

To learn more about participating, mentoring, or supporting future events, please contact the Center for Cybersecurity.