Global Vehicle Cybersecurity Competition, featuring VicOne and Block Harbor, set to commence tomorrow
The automotive industry is gearing up for a significant event in the realm of cybersecurity. The Global Vehicle Cybersecurity Competition (VCC), scheduled to take place online from August 22-25 and August 29-Sept. 1, 2025, aims to create a new generation of cybersecurity specialists capable of anticipating attacks and ensuring a safer road ahead for millions of drivers.
This competition, organized by two leading names in automotive defense, VicOne and Block Harbor, was born in response to the "Jeep Hack" incident in 2014. The event is structured as a "Capture the Flag" tournament, simulating real-world cyberattacks and countermeasures on connected and software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
Participants can expect cash prizes, tokens, and titles for competition winners, as well as the opportunity to connect with a network of professionals in the automotive security field. The overall winner of the VCC will receive sponsorship to attend Pwn2Own Automotive 2026 in Tokyo during Automotive World.
Block Harbor, one of the organizers, was established in 2014 to address emerging threats in automotive security. Their Vehicle Security Engineering Cloud (VSEC) and cybersecurity labs support manufacturers in hardening their digital ecosystems. VicOne, a subsidiary of cybersecurity giant Trend Micro, offers a portfolio of software and services for the stringent demands of automotive manufacturing.
The competition is open to individuals worldwide and registration is available through VicOne's website. It invites participants from around the world, including first-time players, university students, and seasoned professionals in automotive cybersecurity. Collaboration is emphasized as essential due to the rapidly evolving threats in the field of automotive security.
The VCC is intended to foster a growing community of defenders in the field of automotive cybersecurity. The organization that emerged in the background of the 2014 "Jeep Hack" incident is the security research group credited with the hack itself. However, the broader field of automotive cybersecurity grew significantly in response, leading to the rise of specialized cybersecurity firms focusing on vehicle vulnerabilities.
This competition offers a chance for participants to enter a growing and increasingly vital field in digital defense and driver safety. By engaging in both offensive and defensive modes, learners will not only exploit vulnerabilities but also patch them, contributing to the improvement of automotive cybersecurity to protect drivers and manufacturers from remote hacking exploits.
In addition, participants can earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits, making this competition an excellent opportunity for professionals to advance their careers while contributing to a safer future for automobiles. The VCC is more than just a competition; it's a step towards a safer road for all.
