FIND EVIL!

A global online cybersecurity hackathon by SANS, challenging participants to find evil with a $22,000 prize pool.

The SANS 'FIND EVIL!' hackathon is a global online competition challenging participants to leverage their cybersecurity and analytical skills to uncover hidden threats and vulnerabilities. Organized by SANS, a leading provider of cybersecurity training and certifications, this hackathon aims to foster innovation in threat detection and incident response using cutting-edge techniques, including machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Who Should Apply This hackathon is open to a wide range of participants, including students, cybersecurity professionals, developers, and data scientists. With a 'Beginner Friendly' tag, it encourages both seasoned experts and newcomers to the field to collaborate and learn. No specific team size is mandated, allowing for individual participation or small teams.

Tracks & Themes The core themes revolve around cybersecurity, with a strong emphasis on applying Machine Learning and AI to identify and mitigate 'evil' within digital environments. Participants are encouraged to explore innovative solutions for threat intelligence, anomaly detection, malware analysis, and defensive strategies.

Format & Timeline 'FIND EVIL!' is a fully online hackathon running from April 15, 2026, to June 15, 2026. Participants will have this period to develop and submit their solutions remotely. The competition culminates with judging and the announcement of winners.

Prizes A substantial cash prize pool of $22,000 (approximately ₹19,80,000) is available for top-performing teams. Specific prize distribution details will be announced by the organizers.

Eligibility This is a global online competition, open to participants from any country, including India. There are no explicit age or professional stage restrictions, making it accessible to a broad audience interested in cybersecurity challenges.

How to Apply Registration is open until June 15, 2026. Interested individuals and teams can register and submit their projects through the official Devpost page.