BYUCTF 2026 Organizers Ban 65 Teams for Cheating, Including Top 21 Finishers

The BYUCTF 2026 organizers banned 65 teams, including the top 21 finishers, due to widespread cheating involving multiple accounts, flag sharing, and AI usage. The post details how AI proved effective in solving many CTF challenges but struggled in specific categories, such as OSINT, where organizers designed challenges to counter AI agents. It also discusses structural pressures driving cheating and potential improvements for future detection. The author reflects on lessons learned from running OSINT challenges and privacy implications.