31st October 2023
The 2023/2024 CyberFirst Girls Competition will see girls across the country try their hand at cracking codes, decrypting messages and solving coding puzzles.
The annual competition is run by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – a part of GCHQ – and aims to introduce girls aged 12 and 13 to cyber security, with the ultimate goal of increasing diversity in the industry.
With women making up just 17% of the UK’s cyber security workforce, it is vital that the next generation of girls is encouraged to explore the opportunities cyber and technology has to offer.
Chris Ensor, NCSC Deputy Director for Cyber Growth, said: “The CyberFirst Girls Competition is great introduction to the world of cyber that’s both fun and challenging, and it is a great chance for participants to pit their wits against local rivals.
“Thousands of girls have already benefited from the competition, and I strongly encourage schools to register for this year’s event so that pupils can discover a new passion.
“The cyber security industry offers a range of career opportunities, and we have seen participants of earlier competitions secure themselves exciting roles in the sector – which is a trend we want to see continue.”
This year’s competition will see teams of girls tackle fun and challenging puzzles, covering topics from cryptography to AI to logic, in a bid to see off rivals and develop cyber skills.
The team with the most points in each of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and each of the English regions will take home the crown.
The competition opens at noon on Monday 20th November and runs until Wednesday 29th November.
This year’s simplified format will see winners announced on the 4th December.
Winners from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and all English regions will then be invited to a celebratory gala dinner in February 2024.
To find out more watch the video CyberFirst Girls Competition: inspire the next generation https://youtu.be/TgtYmBzgZM0?feature=shared and speak to your Computing teacher or Mrs Hocking
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