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CTF Direct Login

Abstract

This article details the Direct Login feature in the CTF environment: when to use it, how to enable it, and how players will log in.

Direct Login is a feature in CTFs that allows participating players to use their email and a password to log into the CTF competition, as opposed to authenticating using an OAuth provider. It is only used in CTFs that allow public registration.

This option is recommended for competitions where players are part of schools or organizations that do not allow them to use their Google or Microsoft account for OAuth logins on third-party websites. It is also recommended for those concerned with the privacy aspect of using Google or Microsoft Azure to authenticate.

How Do I Enable Direct Login?

Direct login can be turned on in the Admin tab within the CTF, using the checkbox labeled "Allow direct login using username/password". Public registration must be turned on for direct login to be enabled, for more detailed information on turning on public registration, please visit our article titled Creating Private and Public CTF Competitions.

The "Allow direct login using username and password" checkbox is the next checkbox after the "Allow public registration" option.

How Do Players Join?

When joining the CTF, players will be prompted with a Cyber Range login screen. There, they can press the Sign in with a username/password button.

"Sign in with a username/password" button is the last button in the list of sign in options.

When the direct login prompt appears, they should first create an account using the Sign Up button, if they have not done so before.

The "Sign Up" button is at the bottom of the login prompt.

After creating the account, players can log in to the CTF with the email and password as normal and participate. The account created for direct login to the CTF can be used in other public registration CTFs with Direct Login enabled, but cannot be used elsewhere in the Range.

Have a Question? Contact Support

If you experience any issues starting or viewing Cloud CTF in your web browser, please refer to the article titled Can't Launch Cloud CTF for helpful tips on resolving the matter.

We're here to help you. If you still have questions after reviewing the information above, please feel free to submit a ticket with our Support Team and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.