• Anyone can play, but only students are eligible for prizes

• Students are defined as currently enrolled in High School, TAFE or University

• Be at least 15 years of age

• Attend the event in-person

• BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) - Kali is recommended

• Compete in teams of two. Individual players will be paired up

• Lunch will be catered! (Pizza with GF, Vegetarian, Vegan and DF options)

Hack Mac 2026 Competitive CTF Spirit

No AI Agents for autonomous or automated solving allowed

• Any use of AI to automate solving of challenges such as, but not limited to, ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, Codex, OpenCode, OpenClaw is strictly forbidden.

• We cannot properly enforce a complete ban of AI, and ignoring the tools' use for faster learning is unavoidable. You can use it to chat, ask, and learn, but you cannot automate solves.

• We will, on our own ruling, hand out AI bans if we suspect that it is being used not in accordance with the competition or you are found cheating by using autonomous solving.

  • You are required to submit write-ups after the competition detailing the methodology and thought process of your solve, with more detail required the more complex it is.

  • All network activity during the CTF is monitored.

  • An entire team will be disqualified if one person is found using AI inappropriately. Scores and solves will be removed. Players' names will be blocklisted and shared across other Universities who run CTFs who may choose to ban them at their discretion.

• We trust that players will not attempt to cheat, and expect a level of honour and respect among CTF players competing for prizes.