Founded in 2022 by five students at Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST), the p3rf3ctr00t (perfect root) team has rapidly ascended to the pinnacle of Kenya’s cybersecurity landscape. Initially spearheaded by three alumni, Samson Kapere, Moses Kariuki Irungu, and Clinton Kariuki Wanjira, who have since graduated with Degrees in Computer Security and Forensics, the team is now supported by current third-year students Nabil Omar and Abel Biketi. From its roots at MUST, p3rf3ctr00t has expanded to include international teammates, participating in global hacking competitions called Capture The Flag (CTF) and showcasing their unparalleled technical prowess.

 

Nestled in the heart of East Africa, p3rf3ctr00t has established itself as Kenya’s cyber vanguard, adept in the intricate arts of CTF. These competitions involve solving complex cybersecurity challenges, requiring deep knowledge in areas such as cryptography, reverse engineering, blockchain technology, web security, database forensics, and network security. The team’s relentless dedication and exceptional skills have earned them the first rank in Kenya on the CTF Time leaderboard, a global platform tracking the performance of CTF teams worldwide.

Notable Achievements

Significant triumphs and commendable performances mark p3rf3ctr00t’s journey:

• Champions of BSides Nairobi CTF 2023: Demonstrating unparalleled expertise, the team secured the top position in this prestigious event.
• Qualified for BlackHat Middle East and Africa CTF Finals: Teaming up with friend teams fr334aks and Chasing Flags, p3rf3ctr00t advanced to the finals, showcasing their competitive edge on an international stage.
• SHEHACKS Intervarsity CTF 2023: Competing among Kenya’s best university teams, they emerged in the top five, a testament to their consistent performance.
• Urchinsec Tanzanian CTF: Secured the second position, reflecting their strong presence and competitive spirit across borders.
• East Africa Intervarsity CTF 2024: Hosted by the talented team at ctfroom, p3rf3ctr00t clinched the second position East Africa-wide. The competition was fierce, with p3rf3ctr00t holding the top position for two days before a narrow defeat to UDOM Cyber Club, a team from Tanzania in the final hours. The battle was intense, showcasing the resilience and determination of the team.

More achievements and details can be found on the team’s official website: https://perfectroot.wiki/

The Competitive Spirit

The East Africa Intervarsity CTF 2024 was a particularly noteworthy event for p3rf3ctr00t. The team displayed remarkable tenacity, maintaining the lead for two days before a dramatic showdown with UDOM from Tanzania. Despite losing the top spot in the final hours, the competition was a testament to the team’s strategic prowess and unwavering dedication. This close contest highlighted the competitive nature of CTF events and the high level of skill and preparation required to excel.

Meet the Team

The core of p3rf3ctr00t’s success lies in its members’ dedication and expertise. With images and profiles of the team members, we aim to showcase the individuals behind the victories:

1. Nabil Omar (3rd Year, Computer Security and Forensics)
2. Abel Biketi (3rd Year, Computer Security and Forensics)
3. Clinton Kariuki Wanjira (Graduate, Computer Security and Forensics)
4. Samson Kapere (Graduate, Computer Security and Forensics)
5. Moses Kariuki Irungu (Graduate, Computer Security and Forensics)

Samson Kapere – Team Leader

Specialties: Digital Forensics, Web Security

Samson Kapere, a graduate from Meru University of Science and Technology, leads the p3rf3ctr00t team with exceptional expertise in digital forensics and web security. As the team leader, Samson excels in investigating and analyzing cyber incidents, providing critical insights into security breaches. His proficiency in web security helps protect online platforms from malicious activities, ensuring a secure digital environment. Under his leadership, the team has achieved remarkable success in various competitions.

Nabil Omar

Specialties: Blockchain Technology, Low-Level Binary Exploitation, Reverse Engineering

Nabil Omar is a third-year student at MUST, specializing in cutting-edge blockchain technologies. His expertise extends to low-level binary exploitation, where he demonstrates exceptional skill in identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities. Additionally, Nabil excels in reverse engineering, unraveling complex software to enhance security measures.

Abel Biketi

Specialties: Web Security, Mobile Application Security

Abel Biketi, also a third-year student at MUST, focuses on securing web applications and mobile platforms. His proficiency in web security ensures robust defenses against cyber threats, while his expertise in mobile application security safeguards users from vulnerabilities in mobile environments. Abel’s contributions are pivotal in fortifying digital assets against various attack vectors.

Clinton Kariuki Wanjira

Specialties: Cryptography, Blockchain Technology Security

Clinton, a graduate of MUST, specializes in cryptography and blockchain technology security. His deep understanding of cryptographic principles enables the creation of secure communication channels and data protection mechanisms. Clinton’s knowledge of blockchain security ensures the integrity and safety of decentralized systems, making him a vital asset to the team.
Moses Kariuki Irungu

Specialties: Low-Level Binary Exploitation, Reverse Engineering, Open Source Intelligence

Moses Kariuki Irungu, a graduate of MUST, is proficient in low-level binary exploitation and reverse engineering. His ability to dissect and understand the inner workings of software at a granular level aids in uncovering and addressing vulnerabilities. Furthermore, Moses is skilled in Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), utilizing publicly available data to enhance cybersecurity strategies and threat intelligence.

These talented individuals form the backbone of p3rf3ctr00t, each bringing unique skills and expertise to the team. Together, they drive the team’s success in national and international CTF competitions, making significant contributions to the field of cybersecurity.
Support from Meru University of Science and Technology
The success of p3rf3ctr00t would not be possible without the unwavering support of Meru University of Science and Technology led by the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, Ph.D and its dedicated faculty. Special thanks go to Dr. Dorothy Bundi and Dr. Amos Chege for their exceptional contributions.

Dr. Dorothy Bundi
Dr. Bundi, the school’s Computer Security and Forensics course advisor and a lecturer in security-related concepts, including blockchain technology, compliance and governance, and digital forensics, has been instrumental in the team’s success. Her mentorship and teachings have provided Nabil and Abel, as well as the entire team, with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in cybersecurity.

Dr. Amos Chege
As the MUST Coordinator of Innovation at the School’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Club, Dr. Chege has played a pivotal role in connecting the team to the broader cybersecurity community. His support has opened doors for p3rf3ctr00t, enabling them to participate in international competitions and collaborate with other top-tier teams.

p3rf3ctr00t continues to welcome new members who are passionate about cybersecurity. Whether you are a student at Meru University of Science and Technology or an international enthusiast, the team offers a platform to hone your skills and compete on a global stage. p3rf3ctr00t stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of cybersecurity, not just within Kenya, but across the globe. Their journey from a fledgling team at MUST to international champions is a source of pride and inspiration. As they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of CTF, p3rf3ctr00t embodies the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and resilience.

Meru University of Science and Technology is proud to support and celebrate the achievements of p3rf3ctr00t, and we look forward to their continued success in future competitions.