The Yorkshire and Humberside regional Cyber Crime Unit are pleased to announce the launch of this year’s Matrix Challenge.

This competition is open to every child and young person aged between 11 and 17 years of age who receive their education in the Yorkshire and Humber Region.

The main aim is to educate young people about the Computer Misuse Act, provide online safety advice and test several cyber skills through a number of online challenges.

Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner said: “I am delighted that the Matrix Challenge is coming to South Yorkshire.

“We have lots of talented youngsters here in South Yorkshire who I am sure are skilled with electronic and digital devices.  Our young people are leading the way with how to crack codes, decipher passwords and write code that affects how we work in both policing and business.  It is this expertise that we are hoping to find and enable students to put to good use in the new digital world.

“I would encourage all schools and young people to get involved in the challenge and look forward to seeing if we can generate a winner from South Yorkshire to the regional finals.

“Who knows – there may be a place for you in the future policing of South Yorkshire.”

This year the Matrix Challenge have partnered with HRH The Duke of York’s iDEA platform to deliver education, online safety and career pathway support.

Detective Sergeant Shelton Newsham, the Regional Cyber Prevent lead said: “The Matrix Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for children educated within the Yorkshire and Humber region including those electively home educated to test their cyber skills in a number of challenges.

“Not only will participants be educated about the Computer Misuse Act but they will also develop a knowledge of how to positively use their skills and channel them towards future careers. We are honoured that The Duke of York’s iDEA programme has chosen to partner with us.”

“We want to help individuals understand their skills and are going to provide finalists with an opportunity to showcase them to industry leaders. Let’s show the cyber security industry the talent in the Yorkshire and Humber Region.”

Roadshows will be run between 29 April and 24 May 2019 where officers will be touring the region visiting schools across North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire South Yorkshire and Humberside to provide advice and support to students undertaking the Matrix Challenge.

Schools in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield will be visited during week commencing 20 May 2019. The roadshows are due to take place in Outwood Academy City, Sheffield, Holy Trinity School, Barnsley, Saint Pius X Catholic High School, Rotherham, Sir Thomas Wharton Academy, Doncaster, Olympic Legacy Park UTC, Sheffield, Astrea Academy, Doncaster and Newfield School, Sheffield.

Kerensa Jennings, CEO of The Duke of York Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (iDEA), said: “It is vital that young people learn how to stay safe online and develop skills to flourish in the digital world. The Matrix Challenge is a fantastic initiative – we are delighted to support it and hope many thousands of young people will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.”

To take part in the Matrix Challenge please go to www.matrix-challenge.uk and follow the instructions to register. Entries are open from Monday, 29 April until Friday, 24 May 2019.

The live final will take place at York Racecourse on Saturday, 6 July. Finalists will take part in a number of activities provided by cyber security professionals.

For more information contact DS Shelton Newsham on the following email [email protected]