New Era of Industrial Cybersecurity Showcased at 2025 Technology Olympiad

Tehran, Iran – For the first time, Iran has introduced a specialized penetration testing competition for industrial control systems (OT) at the 2025 Technology Olympiad, simulating real-world industrial scenarios to assess and strengthen the cyber defense capabilities of critical national infrastructure.

The event, held on October 28–29, 2025, focused on operational technology environments in key sectors including petrochemicals, oil and gas, steel, copper, and other vital industries. Teams were tasked with identifying and exploiting defined vulnerabilities in IT and OT networks under strict security protocols to capture “flags,” testing both technical expertise and speed.

Seven domestic teams, each comprising two to three members aged between 18 and 30, competed across eight specialized scenarios designed to reflect real-world industrial conditions. Participants first identified vulnerabilities before implementing mitigation measures and capturing the assigned flags.

Scoring was based on the number of scenarios solved and the time taken to reach solutions, with certain challenges featuring multiple layers and scoring complexities. Final evaluations will incorporate detailed technical reports submitted by teams, which may require up to ten days post-event.

This first-of-its-kind competition in Iran provides a critical platform for discovering and supporting industrial cybersecurity talent, setting the stage for expanded international participation and further enhancements in safeguarding the nation’s industrial infrastructure.