The competition was fierce, the challenges were brutal, and once again, Viettel Cyber Security (VCS) came out on top. The Vietnamese cybersecurity powerhouse snagged first place for the second consecutive year at the ROOTCON 19 Capture The Flag (CTF) tournament, the Philippines’ biggest and longest-running hacking conference.
Photo: Viettel Cyber Security (VCS)
For those outside the cybersecurity world, ROOTCON’s CTF isn’t your average tech competition. Think of it as a digital battlefield: teams racing against time to uncover vulnerabilities, crack codes, and outsmart layered security systems. It’s where the best ethical hackers from across Southeast Asia come to prove their mettle, creativity, and teamwork under intense pressure.
This year’s edition once again pushed participants beyond technical skill, demanding lateral thinking and split-second coordination. And Viettel Cyber Security’s team? They nailed it.
“Winning at ROOTCON again is a proud moment for Vietnam’s next generation of cyber defenders,” shared a VCS representative. “It’s always an honor to compete in the Philippines, where the security community is vibrant and collaborative.”
ROOTCON 19 was a gathering of the region’s brightest minds in cybersecurity. One of the standout talks came from VCS Threat Intelligence specialist Doan Minh Long, who presented The Return of Lotus Blossom: Hiding in Plain Sight. His session unpacked the tactics of persistent espionage groups in Asia.
Photo: Viettel Cyber Security (VCS)
On the expo floor, VCS joined a lineup of local and international players showcasing their latest tools and research, while attendees networked, swapped tips, and shared plenty of laughs (and caffeine) between sessions.
For Filipino professionals, ROOTCON has become a proving ground; a place to measure up against world-class hackers and learn from the best. Viettel’s repeat victory highlights not only Vietnam’s growing cybersecurity talent but also Southeast Asia’s rising presence in global cyber defense.
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