Texas Security Awareness Week
48 hours of cybersecurity excellence
Texas Security Awareness Week (TexSAW) is a cybersecurity competition and learning experience hosted by the University of Texas at Dallas’ Computer Security Group (CSG). This multi-day event revolves around a 48-hour CTF competition, complemented by workshops, speakers, and mini- competitions held throughout the event.
Real-world scenarios in controlled environments
Learn from industry leaders
Test your skills against the best
Connect with professionals and peers
Hands-on learning experiences
A hands-on, competitive event where participants solve cybersecurity challenges to capture flags and test their skills in various domains of hacking.
An introductory workshop on navigating and utilizing Linux systems for cybersecurity purposes.
A hands-on lab focusing on basic web vulnerabilities and how to exploit them for ethical hacking.
A beginner-friendly workshop that explores the fundamentals of cryptography and its role in securing information.
A hands-on password hacking workshop to learn the techniques for testing and strengthening your cybersecurity defenses.
A practical lab where participants learn the basics of interacting with hardware, embedded devices, and more.
A forensic analysis workshop where participants practice identifying, preserving, and analyzing digital evidence.
A workshop that introduces reverse engineering techniques to understand and analyze executable code.
A workshop demonstrating the key insights on binary exploitation and pwning.
Come hang out with fellow hackers and design and create your own custom NFC cards!
Plan your TexSAW experience.
ECSW 1.100 - Axxess Atrium
(Closed during Kickoff)
ECSW 1.315
ECSW 1.365
ECSW 1.355
ECSW 1.100 - Axxess Atrium
ECSW 1.365
ECSW 1.355
ECSW 1.365
ECSW 1.355
ECSW 3.210
ECSW 1.100 - Axxess Atrium
ECSW 1.365
ECSW 3.210
ECSW 3.210
ECSW 1.315
Proudly supported by
Yubico's Secure it Forward program, donates to individuals and organizations at high risk of digital security threats. They proudly support journalists, humanitarian workers, non-profits protecting free speech, human rights activists, political networks safeguarding democracy, and initiatives promoting diversity in tech and security. Together, we're making a difference!
For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. Fostering the next generation of professionals who will help protect our digital landscape aligns that mission, ensuring safety and security in an increasingly connected world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Texas Security Awareness Week (TexSAW) is a cybersecurity competition and learning experience hosted by the University of Texas at Dallas’ Computer Security Group (CSG). This multi-day event revolves around a 48-hour CTF competition, complemented by workshops, speakers, and mini-competitions held throughout the event.
TexSAW aims to engage students at all skill levels, from beginners to professionals, by making cybersecurity approachable and entertaining. The event will kick off with introductory workshops covering the essentials in topics like Linux fundamentals, web exploitation basics, reverse engineering, forensics, cryptography, and more.
The Computer Security Group (CSG) is one of the oldest student organizations on campus and the largest cybersecurity group at the University of Texas at Dallas. Our mission is to foster a thriving cybersecurity community through weekly tech talks, hands-on workshops, community outreach, and active participation in both casual and competitive CTF events.
CSG is made up of a diverse group of undergraduate and graduate students, bringing real-world experience and a shared passion for cybersecurity. Thanks to our dedication, our CTF team ranked as the 8th-best academic team in the nation last year!
TexSAW is free to attend!
Support our mission! If you'd like to contribute to this incredible event, consider becoming a sponsor and helping us expand cybersecurity education.
TexSAW is open to students, professionals, and cybersecurity enthusiasts of all skill levels. Everyone will be able to learn something!
What to bring: Please bring your laptop, chargers, and some money for food. Snacks and drinks will be provided, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby.
For workshops: We recommend having Kali Linux or other security tools pre-installed for certain hands-on sessions. But if you don't know, don't stress! Show up and you'll be sorted.
TexSAW is an event for everyone. We strive to create a welcoming environment, and any disrespectful actions towards the team or fellow participants will result in immediate removal from the event.
Reach out to our team