Chris Clinton, Cyber Security Consultant, QinetiQPage Content
On the last Saturday in February, eight young talented cyber defence hopefuls became the final lucky few to secure a place at the Cyber Security Challenge Masterclass 2014. Working in teams, contestants had to infiltrate and take control of a fictional airport security system during the face-to-face challenge held at our Farnborough site, the last of the live competitions in the current Cyber Security Challenge UK programme.
The challenge, developed by a handful of enthusiastic QinetiQ volunteers from our Cyber Security team, brought together some of the country’s most talented amateur cyber defenders to prove they have the skills to become part of the UK’s online security force. They were tasked with exploring a fictional airport security system, identifying its vulnerabilities, using those to take control of the airport CCTV, covertly observing the arrival of a VIP, and finally patching up the ‘holes’ to prevent rival teams attacking them and undermining their hard work.
Cyber Security Challenge event at QinetiQ.
Competitors also had to compile a report and present it to experts, so as well as penetration testing skills and software development abilities, they also had to demonstrate softer skills such as teamwork and the ability to present.
The overall individual winner of the QinetiQ face-to-face competition, assessed as the highest performer on the day, was Jim Halfpenny, a technical specialist working with companies that use huge volumes of data. “It’s been an awesome challenge,” enthused Jim, “everything today is new and exciting for me. It’s been extremely intense and the combination of building something that works, and then defending it has been a unique experience.”
Contestants at Cyber Security Challenge.
The challenge helps to identify talented people who have the passion and drive to fill the top jobs in cyber security, and we were very impressed with the calibre of candidates. QinetiQ is proud to be a part of the Cyber Security Challenge and to have hosted a face-to-face competition developed by our own Cyber experts.
The Cyber Security Challenge Masterclass in March, developed by BT, GCHQ and the National Crime Agency, is where the new UK Cyber Security Champion will be crowned. Watch this space for news of the winners!