NSA launches 12th annual Codebreaker Challenge for 2025

Fort Meade, Md. — The National Security Agency has opened the 2025 Codebreaker Challenge, the 12th edition of its annual collegiate cybersecurity competition designed to mirror real-world problems faced across the Intelligence Community. This year’s scenario tasks participants with assisting the Air Force’s Cyber Operations Squadron in investigating suspicious network activity and defending U.S. military systems from sophisticated nation‑state intrusions.

Students compete individually while contributing to their schools’ cumulative scores. The challenge features seven missions that increase in difficulty and carry specific point values; top totals will determine winners across three divisions based on the number of participants from each school. The technical work spans disciplines such as reverse engineering, vulnerability research, cryptography, and programming and scripting.

“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, performing the duties of the Director of NSA. “I look forward to announcing this year’s winners and celebrating their success.”

Registration is open 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. Individuals must register and log in separately.

More information, registration, and the kickoff video are available at nsa-codebreaker.org and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QquHfT6jjeg.