Re_B00TCMP: Shaping Australia’s Future Cyber Champions
In a groundbreaking initiative led by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), students gifted in the art of ethical hacking have successfully completed a pilot program designed to harness their talents for the greater good. Dubbed re_B00TCMP, this unique program marks a significant effort to inspire the next generation of cybersecurity experts by highlighting the constructive pathways available to those with a knack for navigating the digital world.
The re_B00TCMP pilot took place in the vibrant setting of Sydney’s Fortress E-Sports Arena on March 5, 2024. It was an endeavor orchestrated by the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3), in collaboration with the New South Wales Department of Education. This one-day event attracted eighteen students aged between 14 to 17, selected for their exceptional IT skills and insatiable curiosity about technology.
The core of the program was to mentor these young minds, introducing them to the positive impacts they could make by using their IT prowess within legal confines. Engaging workshops, interactive cyber challenges, and discussions with industry experts on career opportunities in cybersecurity illuminated the day. Educators and industry professionals shared insights into digital and social responsibility, aiming to guide students towards a future where their skills could be used for societal benefit.
One of the defining moments of re_B00TCMP was the digital cyber hunt challenge, a competitive arena where participants applied their technical skills with the prize being a coveted subscription to a cybersecurity training course. This educationally immersive experience was paralleled by sessions for parents, carers, and teachers. These parallel programs aimed to enlighten attendees on the intricacies of online engagement and the nurturing of tech talent among the youth.
Claudia Forsyth, AFP re_B00TCMP Project Lead and Team Leader for Cybercrime Prevention, underscored the importance of guiding young people through the vast and sometimes perilous digital landscape. “Like teaching road rules before handing over car keys, re_B00TCMP is designed to fill the educational void, enabling youths to explore their tech interests safely and lawfully,” Forsyth remarked. With a focus on the tender age bracket of 12 to 17 years, the program seeks to impact these young individuals at a critical time of exposure to the online world.
The innovative re_B00TCMP initiative was originally pioneered by the Dutch National Police in 2021 and has seen significant success, reaching over 390 students in the Netherlands. The Australian adaptation of this program, with the continued support of state and territory police agencies, aims to expand its reach, enlightening more young minds about the rewarding opportunities in cybersecurity.
Damien Mathieson, the NSW Department of Education’s Chief Information Security Officer, highlighted the positive feedback from participants. “Some students were unsure at the start of the day, but left with enthusiasm to spread the word about how engaging and fulfilling cybersecurity can be,” Mathieson shared. This sentiment was echoed in the engagement of parents, who learned the importance of supporting their child’s technical interests in a collaborative and constructive manner.
This initiative represents a collaborative effort to combat cybercrime and safeguard the Australian community from digital threats, a mission the AFP continues to champion through various educational and prevention programs. As cybercrime becomes an increasingly pervasive element of modern society, initiatives like re_B00TCMP not only prepare youths to defend against digital threats but also inspire them to be at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation.
As re_B00TCMP unfolds across Australia, it promises to be a key player in shaping the nation’s defence against cyber threats while fostering a new cadre of tech-savvy professionals ready to tackle the challenges of the digital age.
