Where are you in your security journey? Let’s find out together.
I’m inviting you to beta test my new WiFi security CTF — a deliberately vulnerable Raspberry Pi network that gives you a safe space to truly test what you know, discover what you’re capable of, and chart your path forward.
Visit https://wifictf.patrickmccanna.net to learn more and sign up.
If you’re on the fence about attending- here’s a summary of what you can expect to experience. Be sure to signup, then show up to Big Block Brewery in Carnation WA on Sat. Nov 29th between 1-4 pm.
Show up with your laptop or phone- and search for the wifi network:
The Challenge
A password-protected WiFi network called “CTF_LAB” is your starting point. Your mission:
- Gain access to the WiFi network — apply wireless exploitation techniques
- Enumerate and understand the network — map what’s running and where
- Identify and exploit vulnerabilities — put your knowledge into practice
- Achieve persistent root access — prove you can chain exploits effectively
- Earn points for successful exploitation — not just for finding things, but for making them work
This lab rewards execution. You get points when your exploits actually work — because that’s what matters in the real world.
Why This Lab Exists
You deserve to know what you’re actually capable of. Not what you think you can do, or what you’ve read about — what you can execute when it counts. This lab gives you that clarity.
Growth happens at the edge of your abilities. This CTF is designed to meet you wherever you are: if you’re just starting out, you’ll learn foundational techniques. If you’re experienced, you’ll get to validate your skills and find the gaps you didn’t know existed. Both are valuable.
Real scenarios build real skills. The vulnerabilities here mirror actual IoT security assessments. The techniques that work here will serve you in professional security work, research, or wherever your curiosity takes you.
Your Experience
You’ll begin outside the network. Getting in might mean capturing and cracking a WPA handshake, or it might mean taking the shortcut and focusing on what comes next — it’s your call.
Once you’re on the network, the real exploration begins. What’s running? Where? How can these services be leveraged? Each vulnerability you discover and exploit opens doors to the next challenge.
This is where you’ll learn the most about yourself. Can you enumerate effectively? Do you recognize exploitation opportunities when you see them? Can you chain attacks together? These aren’t just technical questions — they’re diagnostic. The answers tell you exactly what to learn next.
Hit a wall? The lab includes embedded educational guides that explain concepts and techniques without robbing you of the “aha!” moment. You’ll still need to apply what you learn — because that’s where growth happens. And I’m here if you need a nudge in the right direction.
Who This Is For
This lab is for anyone who’s serious about understanding their own capabilities:
- Learners who are ready to find out if they can actually do what they’ve been studying
- Practitioners who want an honest assessment of where they stand
- The curious who wonder if they’re as capable as they hope they are
- The ambitious who want to identify what to master next
What You’ll Discover
Every person who takes on this challenge learns something different:
- You might discover you’re further along than you thought
- You might find unexpected strengths in areas you hadn’t focused on
- You might identify specific gaps that, once filled, will level up your entire skillset
- You might surprise yourself with what you can figure out when the pressure is on
All of these outcomes are wins. Knowing where you stand is the foundation for getting where you want to go.
Begin Your Assessment
The beta test is live. Bring your laptop, your curiosity, and your willingness to be honest with yourself about what you know.
Starting your security journey? This lab will show you what’s possible and give you a clear path forward.
Already experienced? This is your chance to validate your skills against realistic scenarios and find your next growth edge.
Visit wifictf.patrickmccanna.net to participate.
I’m excited to see what you discover!