NSA launches 12th annual Codebreaker Challenge for 2025

The National Security Agency has opened registration for its 2025 Codebreaker Challenge, the 12th installment of the agency’s annual, real-world cybersecurity competition for U.S. academic institutions. The program pits schools against one another as students work through mission-style problems modeled on tasks faced across the Intelligence Community.

This year’s scenario centers on supporting the Air Force’s Cyber Operations Squadron amid attempts by sophisticated foreign adversaries to infiltrate military networks. Participants are tasked with probing suspicious activity flagged by an Air Force analyst and helping safeguard U.S. systems against nation-state threats.

“The Codebreaker Challenge is an opportunity for the future leaders of cyber defense to showcase their skills, and it’s extraordinary to see the enthusiasm and dedication they bring to the competition,” said Lieutenant General William Hartman, who is performing the duties of NSA director. “I look forward to announcing this year’s winners and celebrating their success.”

The challenge comprises seven tasks that increase in difficulty and carry different point values. Schools accrue points based on student completions, with winners named across three divisions organized by the number of participants.

Eligibility extends to anyone with an email address from a recognized U.S. college or university. Students, professors, and alumni may all take part, though only students earn points and awards. The event emphasizes capabilities including reverse engineering, vulnerability research, cryptography, and programming and scripting.

Registration and additional details, including a kickoff video, are available at nsa-codebreaker.org. The video can also be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QquHfT6jjeg.