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Crack the Riddle, Secure the Oasis: Core NetWars Version 11 is Here

Welcome to Core NetWars version 11, SANS’s most diverse cyber range!

Authored bySANS Institute
SANS Institute

The jukebox is spinning again, and this time, it’s loaded with AI, chaos, and the sharp scent of danger. Welcome to Core NetWars version 11, SANS’s most diverse cyber range! 

After a long trek through simulated threats and digital dust, SANS students now find themselves in Rust Haven, a neon-lit outpost deep in the Riddlewreck Plains, where the Echo of Yesterday jukebox plays riddles to unveil the path to the fabled Emerald Hollow oasis. It's here where SANS students face the shadowy Fluffel Dusters, guardians of corruption and confusion. Each beat hides a clue. Every tune is a chance. 

What is Core NetWars?

Core NetWars is a hands-on cyber range featuring comprehensive and multifaceted real-world scenarios. These technical challenges consist of interactive puzzles that span cybersecurity disciplines woven through compelling narratives. Core NetWars is an ideal simulated experience for assessing practical skills and developing advanced tactics. 

Core NetWars is updated annually to keep pace with all the latest cyberthreats, tools, and attack surfaces. It challenges and prepares security professionals of all levels to protect their organization against the cybersecurity threats of today and tomorrow. 

What’s New in Core NetWars Version 11?

Core NetWars V11 turns up the heat with brand-new AI-focused challenges. Players will encounter adversarial AI and must craft prompt injections to outwit guardrails to access protected data. It’s a timely nod to the rise of AI in offensive cyberattacks and a safe space to explore defensive strategies against it.

"My first NetWars experience as a cybersecurity newcomer was a game-changer—thrilling, hands-on challenges and vibrant player interactions sparked a fire in me. Now, as a NetWars challenge developer, I’m passionate about igniting that same excitement in others. We craft real-world scenarios with gripping storylines, designed to teach practical skills you can apply at work by Monday, fueling your cybersecurity journey with every challenge." – Kyle Parrish, Senior Technical Engineer

The scope of Core NetWars content has expanded with more than AI. Participants will also find challenges in:

  • ICS/IoT/OT security
  • Web application security
  • Cloud security
  • Digital forensics and incident response
  • Mobile security
  • Cyber threat intelligence
  • Operating System basics (Linux/Windows)
  • Networking fundamentals
  • Penetration testing
  • Threat detection
  • Defensive strategies
  • Reverse engineering

Why Core NetWars?

With Core NetWars V11, participants aren’t just taught skills, they are thrust into a simulated real-world threat landscape where they learn to think creatively, act swiftly, and adapt to today’s cyber-adversaries.

  • Skill Assessment: Participants can be evaluated on their technical acumen and how they perform under pressure, make decisions, and solve problems.
  • Team Readiness: Teams learn to coordinate their response capabilities in a safe and competitive environment.
  • Skill Building and Community: NetWars tournaments at SANS training events bring together a community of cyber pros, fostering networking and sharing of techniques, approaches, and creative solutions.

Whether you're flying solo or teaming up in a tournament, Core NetWars V11 is a high-stakes environment that offers an unforgettable and practical experience.

When and Where Can you Play?

Core NetWars V11 launches on July 7 and makes its public debut at SANSFIRE. After that, it will be offered at SANS training events worldwide and available for private team tournaments.

“This is my first time attending the Core NetWars tournament, it's great to see SANS using a fun story to share cyber knowledge. It's fun & helps me learn something new!” – W.W., Amazon Security

Check out the tournament schedule.

Ready to Chase the Emerald Hollow Oasis?

Take on the next level of hands-on cybersecurity simulation training with Core NetWars V11. Whether you want to strengthen your individual cyber capabilities or enhance your cyber team’s performance, this interactive, immersive environment will equip you with the knowledge, experience, and readiness for current cyber threats.

Meet the Expert

SANS Institute
SANS Institute

SANS Institute

Launched in 1989 as a cooperative for information security thought leadership, it is SANS’ ongoing mission to empower cyber security professionals with the practical skills and knowledge they need to make our world a safer place.

Read more about SANS Institute