DefHack 2025: Master’s Students in Cybersecurity in Action!

Students from the Master’s in Cybersecurity at ISTIC took part in DefHack 2025, a large-scale cyber defence exercise designed by the French Cyber Defence Command (COMCYBER).

A practical and immersive cybersecurity exercise

Students specialising in CISO or Science of Software & Hardware Security at ISTIC were faced with a cyber crisis scenario requiring composure, coordination, and responsiveness.

Divided into teams, they had to detect, analyse, audit, and develop remediation strategies, all within a limited timeframe. Each mission offered participants hands-on experience in defensive cyber operations, combining technical expertise with rapid decision-making.

Designed as a fully operational simulation, DefHack 2025 allowed students to test their skills in a dynamic and complex environment.

Preparation for careers and challenges in cyber defence

Conceived and implemented by COMCYBER, with support from operational reservists, this exercise immersed students in both a military and operational context.

The scenario reflected the characteristics of cyberspace, a complex environment offering as many opportunities to enhance organisational performance as it does vulnerabilities to attacks: growing connectivity, massive data usage, the erasure of boundaries. These challenges provided an opportunity to test the students, who may become future cyber warriors.

Beyond the technical aspect, DefHack 2025 also provided an opportunity to showcase the careers that make up military cyber defence and the professional opportunities available, whether military or civilian.