CONFIDENTIAL MISSION BRIEFING
OPERATION DUCKTRACE
FIND THE DUCKS. SCAN THE CLUES. ENTER THE BOOK GIVEAWAY.
Welcome to Operation DuckTrace: a cyberpunk QR hunt built for DEF CON attendees, blue teamers, threat hunters, students, and curious hackers. Look for hidden rubber ducks around the event, scan the QR codes, follow the clues, and complete the mission for a chance to win a cybersecurity book giveaway.
Blue Team Village · QR Hunt · Book Giveaway
· Immediate access · No credit card required ·
MISSION BRIEF
YOUR OBJECTIVE
Your objective is simple: locate Operation DuckTrace ducks placed throughout the conference experience. Each duck includes a QR code that unlocks a clue, checkpoint, or mini challenge. Complete the required steps to submit your entry for the book giveaway.
FIND A DUCK
Look for Operation DuckTrace ducks near approved challenge areas, booths, community spaces, or instructor-led activities.
SCAN THE QR
Use your phone to scan the duck’s QR code and unlock the next clue or entry step.
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY
Complete the mission form or challenge checkpoint to be entered into the book giveaway.
HOW IT WORKS
HOW THE DUCKTRACE HUNT WORKS
Follow a simple four-step signal chain so you can focus on the hunt instead of reading a manual in the hallway.
1 · SPOT THE SIGNAL
Find an Operation DuckTrace duck.
2 · SCAN THE CODE
Scan the QR code attached to the duck.
3 · FOLLOW THE CLUE
Read the mission clue, answer the prompt, or complete the mini task.
4 · ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Submit your entry and stay tuned for winner announcements.
LEVEL UP YOUR DEFENSE PLAYBOOK
Complete the DuckTrace mission for a chance to win a cybersecurity book selected to help defenders level up their skills in threat intelligence, detection engineering, blue team operations, AI-assisted security, or incident response.
Book title: TBD – curated by IgniteCyber Academy
Author: TBD
Giveaway time: [Insert day & time]
Winner announcement location: [Insert room, stage, or Discord channel]
Sponsor / community partner: IgniteCyber Academy & Blue Team community supporters
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
STAY SHARP. STAY RESPECTFUL.
- One entry per person unless otherwise stated.
- Do not remove ducks unless the clue specifically says you can.
- Do not block hallways, booths, classrooms, or emergency exits.
- Do not share answers, flags, or hidden locations publicly.
- Be respectful of attendees, staff, villages, and conference spaces.
- No malicious activity, scanning unauthorized systems, or disruptive behavior.
- Have fun and help new attendees feel welcome.
SAFETY & DISCLAIMER
Operation DuckTrace is a community engagement activity. QR codes should only point to official DuckTrace pages, forms, or challenge content. Do not scan suspicious QR codes that do not match the official DuckTrace branding.
SUBMIT YOUR DUCKTRACE ENTRY
Use the mission console below to submit your DuckTrace entry once you have scanned a duck and completed the required clue or challenge.
Operation DuckTrace
A cyber defense QR hunt and book giveaway experience by IgniteCyber Academy / Blue Team community supporters.
© 2026 BTV Operation Duck Trace. All rights reserved.
MISSION LINKS
Bootcamp page · Discord · LinkedIn · Contact email