UK Cyber Security Challenge Competition 2017

The UK Cyber Security Challenge Competition opened on Friday 26 May 2017 for anyone ages 14 - 25 who are interested in pursuing a career in Cyber Security. My son entered the competition last year and really enjoyed the experience. For this particular competition you have to be a UK citizen.

We'll write more about other resources for kids and teens interested in Cyber Security.

What's Involved?

The competition is open to anyone aged 14 - 25 not currently working in the Cyber Security profession. There is a qualifier and face-to-face element to the competition. The on-site part will be hosted at Roke in Romsey, Hampshire UK.

If you are successful you could represent the UK at the European Cyber Security Challenge in November or take part in a prestigious Masterclass event in London (also in November 2017) where many industry professionals attend too.

The challenges are hosted on 3D immersive platform CyPhinx which you will need to register for and download to use.

To enter the competition and for more details to go the Cyber Security Challenge website. Deadline for qualifiers is 5pm on Wednesday 21st of June.

Not yet 14?

The UK Cyber Security Challenge also hosts a competition for 12 - 18 year olds called the Cyber Centurion Competition. You need a team of 4 and any group can enter, be it a school group, scout troupe or even 4 friends at home, supported by an adult team leader. All the resources are provided, so the adult supervisor doesn't have to be skilled in cyber security to support the team.

Watch the video below or visit the website for more information. Deadline for registration is 6 October 2017.

Resources For Parents

The UK Cyber Security Challenge is focused on getting more kids and teens interested in pursuing a career in cyber security. Not all schools or colleges have access to resources or take part in competitions in this field. As a parent of a teen who's taken a great interest in cyber security I know how difficult it is to support their interest without access to resources or knowledge about the field.

Parents can play a vital role in helping to point their kids in the right direction. The UK Cyber Security Challenge have partnered with the NCA (National Crime Agency) to provide some resources for parents and teachers to help raise awareness and inspire the next generation of cyber professionals.

• Cyber Games - for secondary schools
• Extended Project - for students studying A-levels in the UK as an additional AS level

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