Overview
Pimpri Chinchwad University (PCU), through its School of Computer Applications, successfully
organised CREST CTF 2.0 2026, bringing together cybersecurity experts, industry professionals,
students, and technology enthusiasts to promote ethical hacking, technical learning, and
awareness of emerging cyber threats. The event witnessed participation from over 100 attendees
offline and more than 1,500 participants online, including students from IITs and participants
from Dubai, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, highlighting cybersecurity’s
ability to connect people across geographical boundaries.
The programme featured expert talks, technical sessions, a panel discussion, and a Capture the
Flag (CTF) competition, providing participants with opportunities to explore current
cybersecurity challenges, exchange industry insights, and strengthen their technical and problem-
solving skills.
Industry Experts Share Insights on Cybersecurity
The event featured distinguished speakers, including Mr. Jaswinder Singh, Senior Director,
Quick Heal, Seqrite Labs; Dr. Harold D’Costa, President, Cyber Security Corporation and IQSS;
Lt. Cdr. Vivek Kamat, Cybersecurity Advisor to Government and Defence Projects; Mr.
Priyanshu Kukkar, Founder, HierroShield; Ms. Shifa Cyclewala, Director, Hacktify Cyber
Security; Mr. Rohit Gautam, Founder and Director, Hacktify Cyber Security; and Mr. Nikhil
Mahadeshwar, Founder, Cyber Secured India.
Dr. Kamlesh Meshram, Head of the School of Computer Applications, highlighted the
importance of using opportunities such as CREST CTF 2.0 to become better cybersecurity
professionals. He encouraged students to embrace technical challenges, develop practical skills,
and pursue ethical hacking as a means of protecting the digital world. He also acknowledged the
contributions of the sponsors, faculty members, and organising team in supporting the initiative.
Dr. Sachin Pawar, Dean Academics, Professor, and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Sciences
and Technology, emphasised the growing dependence on digital systems and the transformative
role of artificial intelligence in modern life. He encouraged students to pursue continuous
learning, participate in technical challenges such as cryptography, and develop the knowledge
required to keep pace with technological advancements. He also recognised the contributions of
the CREST Club, faculty coordinators, and sponsors.
Mr. Jaswinder Singh, Senior Director at Quick Heal, Seqrite Labs, spoke about the growing risks
in cybersecurity and the importance of strengthening security awareness and technical
knowledge. Highlighting the relationship between attackers and defenders, he encouraged
participants to understand their strengths, pay attention to security practices, and use available
learning opportunities effectively. His message focused on preparing students to become capable
and responsible cybersecurity leaders of tomorrow.
Technical Sessions Explore Real-World Cyber Threats
Lt. Cdr. Vivek Kamat delivered a technical session on cyber resilience, human oversight, and the
realities of cybersecurity beyond its portrayal in popular media. He discussed fact-checking, the
differences between hacking, scams, and fraud, and lessons from real-world case studies
involving SBI, Japan, and AIIMS in November 2022. His session also explored modern warfare,
data survivability, threat detection, operational resilience, and human-centric cyber automation,
highlighting the importance of preparedness and informed decision-making.
Dr. Harold D’Costa offered a distinctive perspective through his session on what a cow can teach
us about cybersecurity. Connecting everyday observations and rural experiences with the
challenges of increasingly connected cities, he encouraged participants to consider cybersecurity
through a broader lens.
Mr. Nikhil Mahadeshwar addressed emerging cyber threats and practical approaches to digital
safety. Drawing on the work of Cyber Secured India, he discussed victim categorisation, app
privacy reports, checking account credentials, and ways individuals can better protect themselves
online.
Ms. Shifa Cyclewala and Mr. Rohit Gautam jointly conducted a session on ethical hacking,
application security, and security research. Their discussion highlighted how ethical hacking can
help identify vulnerabilities and strengthen digital systems. Ms. Cyclewala also encouraged
students to explore cybersecurity as a career pathway, highlighting the growing opportunities
within India's evolving cybersecurity ecosystem.
Mr. Priyanshu Kukkar contributed industry perspectives to the programme’s focus on
cybersecurity skills, professional development, and emerging technology challenges.
Additional technical discussions covered the cyberattack progression cycle, common attack
techniques, software development life cycles, malware in software development, and insights
from India's malware research ecosystem. These sessions helped participants connect theoretical
concepts with practical cybersecurity applications.
CREST CTF 2.0 Competition
The Capture the Flag competition challenged participants to demonstrate their technical abilities
across digital forensics, web exploitation, and PWN/binary exploitation. The competition
featured a prize pool of ₹30,000, comprising ₹15,000 for first place, ₹10,000 for second place,
and ₹5,000 for third place, along with additional sponsor rewards, vouchers, coupons, and
merchandise.
The event was supported by CTF7 and Thundercipher as Platinum Sponsors; Z7 Security
Solutions as Diamond Sponsor; and WhiteArrow, NYX, HierroShield, SecurityBoat, and
TSecForge as Silver Sponsors. Their contributions helped create a platform for practical
learning, technical competition, and industry engagement.
Felicitation and Vote of Thanks
The programme included the felicitation of distinguished speakers and industry contributors,
including Mr. Jaswinder Singh, Ms. Shifa Cyclewala, Mr. Rohit Gautam, and Mr. Priyanshu
Kukkar, in recognition of their valuable contributions and engagement with participants.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Banubakode, who expressed gratitude to Mr. Jaswinder
Singh, the invited guests, PCET trustees, the Vice-Chancellor, Registrar Dr. Anil Maheshwari,
the Controller of Examinations, Dr. Anju Bala, Mr. Amit Patil, and all those who contributed to
the successful organisation of the event.
CREST CTF 2.0 2026 reaffirmed Pimpri Chinchwad University's commitment to cybersecurity
awareness, industry-oriented education, and practical skill development. By connecting experts
and participants across geographical boundaries, the initiative emphasised that collaboration,
continuous learning, and ethical practices are essential to developing the next generation of
cybersecurity professionals and building a safer digital future.
