Viettel Cyber Security (VCS) has achieved a significant victory on the regional stage, claiming First Place in the highly competitive Capture The Flag (CTF) tournament at ROOTCON 19. This win marks the second consecutive year the Vietnamese team has secured the top prize at the Philippines’ largest and longest-running hacking conference.
ROOTCON’s annual CTF is recognized as one of Southeast Asia’s most rigorous cybersecurity contests, attracting elite research and defense teams from across the region. This year’s challenges were designed to test more than just routine technical skills; they demanded unconventional problem-solving, advanced vulnerability exploitation, and exceptional team coordination under intense pressure.
The young VCS team, known for its strong international competition track record and cutting-edge research contributions, delivered a decisive, top-tier performance to secure its championship title.
“Winning at ROOTCON again is a proud moment for Vietnam’s next generation of cyber defenders,” a VCS representative commented. “It’s always an honor to compete in the Philippines, where the security community is vibrant and collaborative.”
The back-to-back victory for VCS underscores the rapid cultivation of top-tier cybersecurity expertise within Southeast Asia. As cyberattacks grow increasingly sophisticated globally, the need for cross-border collaboration and shared threat intelligence is paramount.
Viettel Cyber Security’s presence at ROOTCON 19 extended beyond the CTF competition. VCS Threat Intelligence specialist Doan Minh Long presented a well-received technical talk titled “The Return of Lotus Blossom: Hiding in Plain Sight,” offering critical insights into persistent espionage groups operating in Asia.
ROOTCON 19 concluded on a high note, reaffirming that the region’s collective defense relies not only on advanced tools but, crucially, on the passion, ingenuity, and collaborative spirit of its people.
