This guide will walk you through accessing your infrastructure and connecting to your team’s EC2 instance. We’ll update this page with FAQs throughout the challenge as questions arise.

Getting Started#

1. Register on the CTF Platform#

To access the challenge, you’ll need to register on our CTF platform:

  1. Visit https://qrt.ctfd.io/
  2. Click “Register” and create an account
  3. When prompted, enter the signup code: “DurHack2025”

Important: You must sign up with your University email address (.ac.uk). If you’re not using a .ac.uk address, please come speak to us at the venue.

2. Join or Create a Team#

Once registered:

  1. On the CTF platform, navigate to the Teams section
  2. Either join an existing team or create a new one
  3. Ensure all your team members are added to the same team

3. Receiving Your Credentials#

After you join a team, your credentials will be automatically emailed to the team leader. This email will contain:

  • VPN configuration files for OpenVPN
  • SSH connection details (hostname, username, and any necessary keys)
  • Your team’s domain name (format: team{i}.durhack.qwerty.technology)

If you haven’t received credentials within a reasonable time after joining a team, please contact us at the venue or find us on Discord.

Connecting to Your Infrastructure#

OpenVPN Access#

OpenVPN is required to securely connect to the private network where your EC2 instance is hosted. You must be connected via VPN before you can SSH to your instance.

Windows#

  1. Download OpenVPN GUI from https://openvpn.net/community-downloads/
  2. Install the application
  3. Copy the .ovpn configuration file from your credentials email to C:\Program Files\OpenVPN\config\
  4. Right-click the OpenVPN icon in your system tray and select “Connect”
  5. If prompted enter your username and password (from credentials email)

macOS#

  1. Download OpenVPN Connect from https://openvpn.net/client/
  2. Install and open OpenVPN Connect
  3. Import your .ovpn configuration file (emailed to you) into OpenVPN Connect
  4. Click “Connect”
  5. If prompted enter your username and password (from credentials email)

Linux#

Using NetworkManager (Ubuntu/Debian):

sudo apt-get install network-manager-openvpn-gnome

Then import your .ovpn file through the network settings GUI.

Using Command Line:

sudo apt-get install openvpn
sudo openvpn --config your-config.ovpn

SSH Access#

SSH (Secure Shell) allows you to connect directly to your EC2 instance to run commands, deploy applications, and configure your server.

Windows#

Option 1: Using PowerShell (Windows 10/11)

ssh username@hostname

Option 2: Using PuTTY

  1. Download PuTTY from https://www.putty.org/
  2. Enter your hostname in the “Host Name” field
  3. Set the port to 22
  4. Click “Open”
  5. Enter your username and password when prompted

macOS / Linux#

Open Terminal and use:

ssh username@hostname

When first connecting, you’ll be asked to accept the host key fingerprint - type yes to continue.

Common SSH Commands:

  • ssh username@hostname - Connect to server
  • exit or Ctrl+D - Disconnect from server
  • scp file.txt username@hostname:/path/ - Copy files to server
  • scp username@hostname:/path/file.txt . - Copy files from server

Your Resources#

Once connected, you’ll have access to:

  • EC2 Instance - Full root access to a Linux server
  • Team Domain - A dedicated subdomain: team{i}.durhack.qwerty.technology (anything you host at port 8080 on the server will be accessible here!)
  • VPN Access - Secure connection to the challenge network

Troubleshooting#

Can’t connect via VPN?

  • Ensure you’re using the correct .ovpn file for your team
  • Check that your username and password are correct (case-sensitive)
  • Verify your internet connection

Can’t SSH to your instance?

  • Make sure you’re connected via VPN first
  • Verify you’re using the correct hostname from your credentials email
  • Check that you’re using the correct username

Haven’t received credentials?

  • Ensure all team members have joined the same team on the CTF platform
  • Check your email spam folder
  • Wait a few minutes after joining - credentials are generated automatically
  • Contact us if you’ve waited more than 15 minutes

Need Help?#

If you’re experiencing issues not covered here, or if something is unclear:

  • Speak to QRT team members at the venue
  • Find us on Discord
  • We’ll be updating this page with additional FAQs throughout the challenge