Viettel Cyber Security (VCS) has cemented its status as a regional cybersecurity powerhouse, taking First Place in the highly competitive Capture The Flag (CTF) tournament at ROOTCON 19. This major achievement marks the second consecutive year the Vietnamese team has claimed the top prize at the Philippines’ largest and longest-running hacking conference.
Dominating the Regional Benchmark
ROOTCON’s annual CTF has become one of Southeast Asia’s most grueling and prestigious cybersecurity contests, drawing elite teams and demanding a mix of technical mastery and unconventional problem-solving. This year, the challenges were specifically designed to push participants beyond routine skills, requiring advanced vulnerability exploitation and flawless coordination under intense pressure.
The young VCS team, known for its significant research contributions and international competition track record, delivered a decisive performance.
“Winning at ROOTCON again is a proud moment for Vietnam’s next generation of cyber defenders,” a VCS representative stated. “It’s always an honor to compete in the Philippines, where the security community is so vibrant and collaborative. This back-to-back victory truly underscores the top-tier cybersecurity expertise being cultivated across Southeast Asia.”
Knowledge Sharing and Regional Collaboration
Beyond the thrill of the competition, ROOTCON 19 served as a critical platform for regional knowledge-sharing and community networking. The conference featured a packed schedule of technical sessions and exhibits that highlighted the latest advancements in cyber defense.
A key highlight was a presentation by VCS Threat Intelligence Specialist Doan Minh Long, who delivered a well-received talk titled “The Return of Lotus Blossom: Hiding in Plain Sight.” His session shed new light on persistent espionage groups operating in Asia, reinforcing the critical need for shared intelligence across borders as cyberattacks continue to become more sophisticated.
For Filipino security professionals, ROOTCON remains an essential hub for engaging with global experts and sharpening skills against world-class benchmarks. The conference concluded on a high note, with participants reaffirming that the region’s collective defense depends not only on advanced tools but also on the passion and ingenuity of its people.
