The hunt is on to find the UK’s best cyber talent to represent the country in the prestigious European Cyber Security Challenge competition later this year. Cyber Security Challenge UK is looking for 10 candidates; aged 14-25, that have an outstanding aptitude for codebreaking, social engineering and digital forensics to compete against the best talent in Europe. And this year, the rules have changed. Young industry professionals are invited to take part in the competition, as well as budding amateurs.
This year’s competition will take place in Malaga, Spain in October, bringing together teams from 15 countries including Germany, Spain, Romania, Ireland, Austria and Switzerland. It will take place over five days and will task competitors with deciphering complex codes, analysing computer networks and conducting a full investigation into security scenarios, like those organisations face on a day-to-day basis.
Following the online qualifier, the top 40 scorers will be invited to face-to-face competition run by cyber security specialists, Roke. Here their skills will be tested further in a series of practical challenges and team building exercises and at the end of the day, the final 10 are chosen for Team UK.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for young cyber security professionals and budding enthusiasts to show the World how good the UK is when it comes to cyber security,” said Debbie Tunstall, Head of Education Programmes at Cyber Security Challenge UK. “The competition allows participants to make contacts in the cyber security sector all over Europe, forming a network for their future careers.”
The European Cyber Security Challenge has been developed in response to the growing popularity of cyber security challenges across the continent. These challenges have proven to be a great source of talent for companies across the cyber security landscape, and have led to contestants being recruited by a diverse collection of employers including government organisations, banks and financial institutions, energy suppliers and communications providers. The competition also allows international companies to see which country has the most exciting talent, and identify where to hire from.
To be in with the chance of representing the UK this year, those interested will need to sign up to Cyber Security Challenge UK’s Play-on-Demand platform and complete two virtual games before Wednesday 21st June*. There is also an opportunity for those not yet working in the industry to qualify for Cyber Security Challenge UK’s Masterclass grand final at the end of the year.
