Introduction
In Estonia and across the Baltic region, cybersecurity has long been recognised as a matter of national resilience, business continuity and talent development. One of the most effective platforms to combine all three dimensions is the Cyber Battle of Estonia and CyberSpike competitions.
These events are not simply contests. They are carefully designed initiatives that encourage young people to explore cybersecurity, test their skills in real-world scenarios, and connect with mentors, companies and institutions. For the wider ecosystem, they represent an investment in the next generation of experts who will defend our digital future.
Cybertex Security has supported these initiatives in recent years, including Cyber Battle of Estonia 2024 and continuing with CyberSpike 2025. We believe that these events are valuable not only for participants, but for the entire cybersecurity community.
Cybertex Security has proudly supported these initiatives since 2022 – through Cyber Battle of Estonia editions in 2022, 2023, 2024, and now once again in 2025.
Cyber Battle of Nordic-Baltics 2024
Looking back at 2024
The Cyber Battle of Nordic-Baltics 2024, hosted in Tartu as part of the European Capital of Culture programme, brought together young enthusiasts from across the region.
The format included:
- Bootcamps introducing core skills such as Linux, networking, web vulnerabilities and cryptography.
- Online qualifying rounds, where teams tested their problem-solving skills in practical Capture the Flag (CTF) tasks.
- An in-person final in Tartu, where top teams competed under time pressure and in front of a live audience.
The 2024 edition was important for three reasons. It showed how cybersecurity can be made accessible through open learning programmes. It provided a visible stage where young people could demonstrate their talent. And it created a genuine meeting point between education, business and government.
(Read our LinkedIn post about Cyber Battle 2024 participation here)
What is new in 2025
In 2025, the competitions have evolved further. The Cyber Battle of Estonia 2025 and CyberSpike 2025 are structured as multi-stage events with both online and offline components.
- The online preliminary round took place on 20 September, where individual participants solved technical challenges ranging from forensics to reverse engineering.
- Around 50 of the top performers will advance to the offline final, where the focus shifts to more complex, realistic simulations.
This year’s concept places greater emphasis on individual responsibility at the beginning and collaborative problem-solving in the final. It raises the bar for participants, while also offering broader inclusion for younger entrants.
Why these events matter
From our perspective as a cybersecurity company, there are several reasons why these competitions are not just “nice to have” but strategically important.
Developing practical skills
Textbooks and lectures are essential, but they do not fully prepare students for the unpredictability of real threats. CTF-style competitions offer a safe environment where mistakes are part of learning. By solving tasks based on real attack patterns, participants develop applied skills that translate directly into academic projects, internships or future careers.
Strengthening the talent pipeline
The shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals is a well-known challenge in Estonia, across the EU and globally. By attracting teenagers and young adults into the field, Cyber Battle and CyberSpike expand the talent pool. They help identify motivated individuals early, give them visibility and connect them with industry mentors.
Raising awareness
Cybersecurity cannot remain the domain of specialists alone. These events highlight cyber risks and defences to a wider audience: schools, parents, public institutions, and local communities. They demonstrate that cybersecurity is not an abstract IT issue but a practical skillset with real consequences for everyday life.
Building community
Perhaps most importantly, the competitions create a sense of community. They bring together participants, mentors, companies and public sector representatives around a shared purpose. For Estonia, with its strong digital society and reliance on secure infrastructure, this kind of collaboration is essential.
Why it is interesting for participants and partners
For participants, the appeal is clear. The competitions are engaging, hands-on and competitive in the best sense of the word. They give young people a chance to test themselves, to experience pressure, and to discover what it feels like to solve real challenges in a team environment.
For partners and sponsors, the value lies in visibility and impact. These events offer a direct connection to future talent, an opportunity to contribute to national security priorities, and a chance to be seen as an active supporter of the community.
A wider perspective: Estonia and beyond
Estonia is recognised worldwide as a digital society, from e-governance to secure online services. This success also creates responsibility. The cyber threat landscape is becoming more complex, and adversaries are more sophisticated. Developing the next generation of defenders is therefore not optional.
Cyber Battle of Estonia and CyberSpike provide a scalable, repeatable and community-driven way to meet that challenge. They ensure that Estonia continues to set an example for the region and Europe in how to link education, innovation and security.
Conclusion
The Cyber Battle of Estonia and CyberSpike competitions are more than annual events. They are platforms for skill development, awareness-raising and community building. They demonstrate that cybersecurity is both a technical discipline and a shared responsibility.
At Cybertex Security, we are proud to support these initiatives once again in 2025. We believe they are good, useful, important and interesting – for young people starting their journey, for the community that surrounds them, and for the digital future we are all building together.
