National Matrix Challenge goes live

THE National Matrix Challenge goes live today, Monday (Jan 20) and is open to every 11 to 17 year old in the United Kingdom.

The Challenge consists of three stages, which will eventually lead to the crowning of a national champion in both the 11 to 14 and 15 to 17 year old age categories.

Stage one of the Matrix Challenge is a digital game that will help players to be safer online, understand the law and test their cyber skills. The highest performers will then go forward to stage two.

Stage two will provide those successful to take part in a regional live semi-final at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday 28th March 2020. Players will have the opportunity to take on activities designed and run by cyber security focused industry partners. The top three in each age category from Tarian’s regional competition go forward to represent us at the UK event.

The live final will take place on Saturday July 4th; the top 72 contestants from across the United Kingdom will compete to be crowned the Matrix Challenge National champion.

The Matrix Challenge is being run by the Tarian Regional Cyber Crime in the southern Wales area with the help of South Wales, Gwent and Dyfed Powys Police forces

Detective Sergeant Warren Davies of Tarian Regional Cyber Crime Unit, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for all 11 to 17 year olds across the Tarian Wales region to test their cyber security skills and hopefully start to consider future roles in the industry.

“Children and young people in our region have an amazing opportunity to take part in the Matrix Challenge. Not only will participants learn how to be safer online but there is also the chance to display their talents to the industry.

“Our regional champions will go on and represent us at the national final.”

Chief Constable of Derbyshire Police and NPCC Cyber Crime Lead Peter Goodman said: “The National Matrix Challenge 2020 is a fantastic opportunity for all 11 to 17 year olds in the United Kingdom to test and showcase their digital capabilities. Our young people will compete against a national virtual peer network when they experiment and test their abilities using online-connected technologies. They will learn to understand about the legal boundaries of cybercrime, enabling them to differentiate between what is a legal or illegal act.

“The regional winners of the first-stage online competition will go on to compete in a live national “champion of champions” event held in the summer of 2020. The activities and tests will be designed and delivered by our partners in industry and academia, culminating in the best performers in each age group receiving recognition and awards to celebrate their success.

“This is a great opportunity to identify emerging digital talent for policing and our partners.

“I am proud as the National Police Chiefs’ Council Cybercrime Lead to support and endorse this innovative initiative, which is designed to provide the next generation with protection, awareness and opportunity. ”

To take part in stage one of the National Matrix Challenge visit matrix-challenge.uk between January 20th and February 14th.

https://www.matrix-challenge.uk/