RECAP - TacOps 2025

2024/25 Apr 1, 2025

As we come to a Bittersweet end of countless sleepless lights, lots of running around, making it up as we go, and roadblocks that stood in our way as we organized this annual event; On behalf of the Netsoc 24/25 Team, we would like to thank those who made this event possible: You.

Without participants, both external and internal, none of this could've happened. The passion for competition in the IT Sector brings us all together as a community, from Cybersecurity to Networking to Social Engineering, we are all post-secondary students passionate for the future of Technology and to see the world change for the better, and community events like these keep them alive.

To our sponsors, thank you so much for your generous donations. Your contribution helps keep these events affordable for students, which allow more room to showcase their creative thinking, vast range of knowledge and troubleshooting skills and encourages us to keep pursuing the everchanging world of Technology.

Also a big thank you to Picadilly Cakery and Double Double Pizza & Chicken for the tasty Pizza and Delicacies!

Furthermore, thank you to our Guest Speakers:

Maheen Khan - Associate Consultant, Cyber Risk CDW Canada

Maheen Khan is a cybersecurity professional and currently, her focus is cyber risk. With a diverse background, she started in the industry with little to no schooling in IT or cybersecurity and broke through the barriers by focusing on fostering good connections with leaders in the industry and becoming a cybersecurity advocate in her day to day life. She is employed at CDW Canada working for Risk Advisory Services. Before this role, she was working as an IT Security Risk intern at an insurance firm called Ivari. Maheen is passionate about cybersecurity awareness and education. She also loves to connect with students and help them with their journey to break into cyber.

Sylvia Schild Sulaiman - Sr. Information Security Analyst, Scotiabank

Sylvia is a Sr. Information Security Analyst within Scotiabank's cyber security operations centre. She started her career in nursing, however soon found a passion for cyber security. She leveraged her skills as a nurse coupled alongside obtaining GIAC SANS and COMPTIA certifications to transition her career. She also enjoys mentoring individuals who are looking to start their careers in the cybersecurity industry.

Aleena Bukhari - Junior Programmer, Reach3

Aleena Bukhari is a recent computer science graduate with experience in LLM AI research, software development, and UX/UI design. Currently working as a Junior Programmer, she is dedicated to building AI-driven innovations that prioritize human needs and ethical considerations. Her approach emphasizes sustainable development for the greater good. Passionate about fostering the next generation of talent, Aleena actively advocates for diversity in STEM, particularity empowering women in the field.

Hunain Amir, OSCP, OSWP, EJPT - Security Manager, FlashFoods

Hunain Amir is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with 8+ years of experience working with top companies like Herjavec Group, RBC, Rogers Telecommunications, Binance.US, and FlashFood. Skilled in defensive and offensive security, he is OSCP and OSWP certified, specializing in proactive cybersecurity solutions. As the founder of Syfera, Hunain delivers tailored strategies to fortify businesses' digital infrastructures. Through his mentorship initiative, "Cyber Sensei," he provides free one-on-one guidance to aspiring cybersecurity professionals, fostering growth in the industry. Hunain’s expertise and dedication continue to shape the cybersecurity landscape, driving innovation and empowering the next generation of talent

Sweet words aside, for those who unfortunately did not attend this event, Tactical Operations (TacOps) is a Capture-The-Flag style event hosted by Netsoc. This year, it was hosted for both internal and external participants, featuring over 193 challenges across 6753 total possible points. Furthermore, congratulations to the winners!

Ontario Tech:

The High Table (5048 pts)
ClownSoc (3888 pts)
Re;Coders (2693 pts)

External:

UofTCTF (4743 pts)
Inc0nito (2373 pts)
Keyboard Smashers (2208 pts)

Top Scoring Individuals:

Iliyan Daya (2652 pts)
Harshit Maheshawri (1731 pts)
Devn Boodoo (1508 pts)
Arshia Mortazavinezhad (1396 pts)

For more information, Trivia #6 made by Chris Panetta has the most amount of solves with 29 solves and Not So Random made by Hayden Nolan has the least amount of solves with 1 solve. 23.9% of solves were successful, with 76.1% being incorrect.

We hope to see everyone for TacOps 2026!