What is Standoff Hacks and how do you get in? 🤔
We sat down with one of our researchers, Hackerx007
@XHackerx007, to find out what participating in Standoff Hacks means to him. Dive into the amazing world of Standoff Hacks and explore it with us!
Read the interview, then join the contest for a chance to win an invite to a party abroad 😎
1⃣ What does participating in Standoff Hacks mean to you?
A lot! It allows me to challenge myself and push my hacking mentality to the maximum level. It was my first LHE, so I didn't think I would win, but while hacking, I discovered a new part of my skills! Under pressure, you discover new skills that you didn't think you were capable of. So what does Standoff Hacks mean to me? It means confidence and challenge! Winning an LHE against 32 elite hackers showed me that under pressure we can do things we didn't think we could do.
2⃣ You have participated in Standoff Hacks before. What are the most vivid impressions you remember?
The spirit, the community, and the management! When I met the other hackers, it felt like we'd known each other for a long time. Even though we were against each other, everyone was hoping the other would win! We had such a beautiful time together.
And the program managers were with us — Elizaveta from T-Bank and Alexander from WB — giving their support. And you know what? We didn't even feel like they were the program owners. We were joking, having fun!
And the support we got from the Positive Technologies team — Alex, Max, Masha — was amazing.
Those moments and the time we spent, the laughs... it's unforgettable.
3⃣ What is most important to you at such events: victory, experience, money, or the community?
Experience and community. As I said, I discovered things I didn't think I was able to do. I learned critical skills — working under pressure allows you to learn new things! Also the community — making new friends who think just like you. You know, all hackers around the world share the same way of thinking, and that makes the connection much easier. As I said, we felt like we'd known each other forever. We had a lot of fun! So making new friends and learning new things —that's what I'm looking forward to.
4⃣ How do you usually prepare for Standoff Hacks — or do you deliberately not prepare?
I would love to take a break for a few days before the event, so I can recharge my energy and be ready to hack day and night!
5⃣ What is the most challenging part of Standoff Hacks: the lack of time or the competitive pressure?
Neither! The most challenging thing is proving to yourself that you can do it. Anyone can win. I was challenging myself, because when I started, I didn't think I could win, but I was trying to prove to myself that I could do it! The time was enough for me, and working under pressure is beneficial — so the real challenge was proving to myself that I can and I will!
6⃣ What are you most looking forward to at Standoff Hacks in China: complex bugs, networking, or the atmosphere?
I'm not greedy — all three of them! Finding critical bugs gives me confidence, making new friends and connections, and enjoying the time with other hackers!
See you in China!