The ‘Matrix Challenge’ our first Cyber Prevent Initiative has just finished
The ‘Matrix Challenge’ our first Cyber Prevent Initiative has just finished
The Yorkshire and Humber Regional Cyber Crime unit delivered its first Cyber Prevent initiative to help children and young people use technology safely and legally.
The final of the initiative – which involved a cyber challenge – involved 42 children and young people on Saturday 18 August at the Bridge Project in Leeds.
There were a series of open and closed scenario based questions put to the finalists
The unit was supported in its work through West Yorkshire Police’s Proceeds of Crime Funds which uses money seized from criminals within West Yorkshire to benefit the local community.
The unit also worked in partnership with Cyber Security Challenge UK and GrillaTech Limited.
Detective Sergeant Shelton Newsham, the Regional Prevent and Protect Lead at the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Cyber Crime Unit, said:
“The skills and abilities of the finalists was incredible. Some our finalists had not previously been given the opportunity to fully understand how valuable their skills are.
“We helped them to showcase their talents, showed pathways for their further education and the employment possibilities."
"We were privileged to have Ben Towers as our keynote speaker. Ben gave all the finalists a great insight into his successful career."
“We also gave more parents confidence to understand and support their children’s further development.
The feedback has also been exceptional.”
A careers day specifically aimed at cyber security will follow and plans are being worked on to deliver a similar project next year.
Cyber Prevent was at the forefront of this project, raising awareness of:-
How to use technology safely and legally (educate on the Computer Misuse Act 1990)
Computer related education and employment opportunities (using cyber skills for good)
Disrupt and deter cybercrime offending or reoffending
Promote the protection and safeguarding of children and young adults online (signpost to existing content/organisations)
Educate parents and guardians on the advances on technology and how to support their children
Over 7500 children and young people visited the website with over 2700 completing the game from which the finalists were chosen.
A spokesperson from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire, said: “This was an innovative competition which captured the imagination of young people across the region.
“Prevention plays such an important role in tackling cyber crime and it’s crucial that these messages are presented in an engaging way.
“There was some exceptional talent and skill on display in the competition and we are hopeful that some of the young people involved will go on to be key players in the fight against cyber crime in the future.”
