“We need to inspire the next generation of Cyber experts” says Finance Minister, Rebecca Evans

Hundreds of girls aged 12 and 13 from across Wales came together over the weekend to put their cyber skills to the test in a series of fun and exciting codebreaking challenges. Up for grabs was a place in the national final and after a day of problem solving the Cathedral School in Llandaff was announced as Wales’ winners.

The Cathedral School will now battle it out against the winning teams from Northern Ireland, Scotland and various towns and cities across England in the grand final which is being help in Wales on 16 March.

Congratulating the winning Welsh team, Finance Minister, Rebecca Evans said:

“This competition is a fantastic opportunity to spot and nurture our young female talent.

“Women are hugely unrepresented in the cyber industry in Wales, so competitions like these are a really important way to introduce young girls to the industry in an attempt to diversify the future workforce and inspire the next generation of cyber experts.

“I would like to send my congratulations to the winning team at the Cathedral School and wish them the best of luck for the national final.”

Chris Ensor, NCSC Deputy Director for Skills and Growth, said:

“Whether teams progressed to the national final or not, we hope that many of the girls who took part have been inspired to find out more about cyber security and pursue their interest in this exciting field.

“Congratulations to our Welsh champions at the Cathedral School. We look forward to seeing you in the final!”