VicOne, a prominent provider of automotive cybersecurity solutions, and Block Harbor, a Detroit-based engineering firm specializing in vehicle cybersecurity, have announced the launch of the first-ever Global Vehicle Cybersecurity Competition (VCC). The event, held virtually over two weekends—August 22–25 and August 29–September 1—will simulate real-world cyberattacks and defense scenarios on connected and software-defined vehicles (SDVs), placing participants on the digital frontlines of automotive security.
Open to individuals of all experience levels—from students and first-time competitors to seasoned professionals—the VCC is designed in the “Capture the Flag” (CTF) format, a popular gamified structure in cybersecurity that challenges players to solve puzzles, find vulnerabilities, and exploit weaknesses. Participants will engage in both offensive and defensive operations, learning how to break into systems—and just as crucially—how to stop others from doing the same.
The stakes go far beyond bragging rights. The top team will receive a coveted sponsorship to attend Pwn2Own Automotive 2026, the industry’s premier zero-day vulnerability discovery contest, which will take place January 21–23, 2026, at Automotive World in Tokyo. The prize includes a round-trip flight and a three-night hotel stay. Winners also stand to gain cash, digital tokens, official titles, and Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits.
While cybersecurity competitions are not new, VCC’s focus on vehicles comes at a pivotal moment. As automakers transition toward fully connected platforms and software-defined functionality, the surface area for cyber threats has expanded dramatically. From infotainment systems to over-the-air updates, today’s cars contain millions of lines of code and numerous communication endpoints—each a potential target.
“Cars have become data centers on wheels,” said Max Cheng, CEO of VicOne, in a statement accompanying the announcement. “It’s essential that we build a pipeline of talent capable of defending this new era of mobility. This competition offers a critical training ground.”
Founded in 2014 in the wake of the infamous Jeep Cherokee hack—which exposed the ability of bad actors to take remote control of a moving vehicle—Block Harbor has worked closely with major automakers and suppliers to harden the industry’s defenses. Its platform, the Vehicle Security Engineering Cloud (VSEC), serves as both a training and operational tool for security teams across the automotive supply chain.
VicOne, a subsidiary of cybersecurity giant Trend Micro, brings more than three decades of digital security experience to the automotive space. The company provides a suite of specialized tools and consulting services designed to protect embedded systems, control units, and communication networks in vehicles from cyber threats.
For those interested in participating in the VCC, registration is now open at vicone.com/vehicle-cybersecurity-competition. The competition welcomes individuals, university teams, and professional groups alike. No prior automotive experience is required—just curiosity, a knack for problem-solving, and a passion for learning.
As cars become more autonomous, more connected, and more reliant on digital ecosystems, events like the VCC are more than games—they are proving grounds for the cybersecurity guardians of tomorrow.