# Thunder CTF: Learning Cloud Security on a Dime

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2107.12566 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2107.12566/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 27 Jul 2021.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Measuring and Augmenting Large Language Models for Solving Capture-the-Flag Challenges](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2506.17644/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Organizations have rapidly shifted infrastructure and applications over to public cloud computing services such as AWS (Amazon Web Services), Google Cloud Platform, and Azure. Unfortunately, such services have security models that are substantially different and more complex than traditional enterprise security models. As a result, misconfiguration errors in cloud deployments have led to dozens of well-publicized breaches. This paper describes Thunder CTF, a scaffolded, scenario-based CTF (Capture-the-Flag) for helping students learn about and practice cloud security skills. Thunder CTF is easily deployed at minimal cost and is highly extensible to allow for crowd-sourced development of new levels as security issues evolve in the cloud.