For the 11th consecutive year, the Cyber Security Challenge Belgium (CSCBE) has set new records in its mission to address the growing shortage of cybersecurity professionals. This year’s edition saw over 1,000 students participating in the online qualifiers—a testament to the challenge’s enduring success and the increasing interest in cybersecurity among Belgian students. After an intense competition, VUBeest – with students from VUB and HELMo - emerged victorious, claiming the top spot in Belgium’s largest cybersecurity challenge.
The digital threat landscape continues to evolve at an alarming pace, and the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals remains higher than ever. When this challenge first started over a decade ago, it was driven by the industry's need to connect with and recruit talented students. The initiative quickly grew beyond a simple recruitment effort, becoming a vital platform for talent development. Today, that need is more pressing than ever, with businesses, governments, and critical infrastructure all relying on a robust cybersecurity workforce to mitigate threats and ensure digital resilience.
“Cybersecurity is not just about technology—it’s about people, creativity, and diverse perspectives. Initiatives like the Cyber Security Challenge Belgium help us discover and support the next generation of cybersecurity experts, ensuring a strong and diverse workforce ready to tackle tomorrow’s threats. Detect more talents to protect better” says Phédra Clouner, Deputy Director General of the CCB.
This year’s challenge, which culminated in a thrilling final last weekend, provided young talents with a unique opportunity to test and develop their cybersecurity skills. Organized by NVISO with the support of numerous partners, including the Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium (CCB), CSCBE has become a key player in raising awareness and fostering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
After an intense series of challenges, Team VUBeest from VUB and HELMo emerged victorious, demonstrating outstanding problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and teamwork. The winning team has secured prizes including a trip to the prestigious DEF CON hacker conference in Las Vegas and an exclusive SANS training course.
With the national competition now concluded, the selection process for the Belgian Red Daemons—the national team that will represent Belgium in Warsaw at the European Cyber Security Challenge (ECSC) 2025—officially begins. The best performers from the CSCBE will have the opportunity to compete for a spot on the European stage against top talent from across the continent.
Figures for CSCBE 2025
- 1,000+ students participated in the qualifying round
- 30+ universities and graduate schools represented
- 100 participants in the final
- 20+ sponsors supporting the initiative
The winners of the cyber security challenge Team VUBeest, Credits: Cyber Command- Defensie