The International Cybersecurity Olympiad (ICO) is a global event inspired by renowned competitions such as the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) and the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). This event has received in-principle support from the NUS School of Computing, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), and the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB). Several other agencies have expressed interest in the ICO and are currently in the process of obtaining approval.

WHY THE ICO?

Cybersecurity is a growing global concern, with cyber threats evolving faster than the supply of skilled professionals. Despite the rising demand, a significant gap persists in cybersecurity education and talent development worldwide. The ICO aims to address this challenge by providing a competitive platform to identify and nurture the brightest young minds in cybersecurity. The ICO also offers a structured and prestigious environment where students can showcase their skills and gain international recognition. Led by university professors, cybersecurity practitioners, and professionals including Associate Professor Tan Sun Teck, the current President of the IOI, the ICO is designed to push the boundaries of cybersecurity education and innovation.

This year Macquarie University, located in Sydney, Australia, is proud to host the inaugural International Cybersecurity Olympiad (ICO 2026) from June 27 to July 2, 2026.

As a truly global platform, the event will invite participants from up to 45 countries. Each country will be represented by a delegation comprising one team leaders and four outstanding students, selected through rigorous national qualification processes that align with the Olympiad’s stringent standards. 

Each participating country selects a team of up to four contestants to represent their nation. The team, accompanied by a team leader will compete in a two-day competition. Contestants will individually compete to achieve the highest scores by solving complex cybersecurity problems within a set time frame.

MAIN OBJECTIVES

The International Cybersecurity Olympiad (ICO) aims to achieve several key goals, including the following:

• Raise Global Awareness: Promote global awareness of the importance of cybersecurity and highlight the urgent need for skilled professionals in this critical field.
• Nurture Young Talent: Inspire students to explore cybersecurity as a career path, developing a future pipeline of skilled cybersecurity professionals.
• Facilitate Global Networking: Offer participants and team leaders a platform to engage, exchange knowledge, and build international connections.
• Encourage Collaboration: Foster cooperation and cultural exchange among students and educators, contributing to the growth of a global cybersecurity community.

Furthermore, ICO has separate Cybersecurity Workshop sessions for Teachers during the Olympiad, providing educators with foundational cybersecurity knowledge that they can pass on to students in their schools. However, the ICO committee will only conduct this workshop if we receive at least 50 sign-ups.