Young people are being called to enter the new UK Cyber Team Competition from the UK government, offering them the opportunity to represent the country on the world stage and kickstart a career in cybersecurity.

The Competition is open to 18-to-25-year-olds with a passion for cybersecurity to test their skills with challenging security exercises designed to push their technical expertise and problem-solving abilities.

This includes simulations of real-world scenarios in areas like cryptography, digital forensics, web exploitation, and network security.

Top performers will earn a place on the UK Cyber Team, where they’ll represent the country in prestigious international security competitions, including friendly matches against other national cyber teams, and major events like the International Cybersecurity Championship and the European Cybersecurity Challenge.

Winners of the Competition will also gain access to advanced training from industry experts, networking opportunities with agencies and leading cybersecurity firms, and mentorship to help develop their careers.

The Competition is being held to help the UK plug its cyber-skills gap, fill high-demand roles, and provide young professionals with valuable skills and career opportunities in the critical field.

Participation from underrepresented groups and all parts of the UK is actively encouraged to support diversity in the cyber talent pipeline.

“We welcome this excellent initiative from DSIT to inspire young people to explore careers in cyber security,” said Katie Gallagher OBE, co-founder of the North West Cyber Resilience Centre.

“As the recent government survey found 44% of businesses have skills gaps in basic technical areas – and 30% of cyber firms in 2024 have faced a problem with technical skills gaps.

“However, with the growth of cyber breaches and hacking, it is vital that we work together as a community to grow the cyber security talent pathway.”

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Sheridan Ash MBE and Dr Claire Thorne, both co-CEOs of charity Tech She Can, commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the wide range of often overlooked roles in cybersecurity throughout the UK, while connecting a wealth of untapped technology talent with real-world industry experiences and job prospects.

“The diversity and technology skills gaps are both real and urgent challenges. Through our work in classrooms across the country, we’ve seen how aligning young people’s passions—like gaming and eSports—with technology careers can engage both boys and girls effectively.

“We’re particularly excited about the doors this will open for young women, who are already playing, and will continue to play, a critical role in safeguarding our future.”