Regional Matrix Challenge
29 Apr 2019
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 17yrs 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.
This year we 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."
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."
Roadshows will be run between April 29th and May 24th, where officers will be touring the region visiting schools to provide advice and support students whilst undertaking the Matrix Challenge.
The live final will take place at York race course on Saturday July 6th. Finalists will take part in a number of activities provided by cyber security professionals.
DS Shelton Newsham also stated, "Not only do we want to help individuals understand their skills but we 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."
Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) said: "I am delighted to be able to support this innovative competition in its second year.
"It comes just weeks after our hugely successful joint (PCC/WYP) Schools Cyber Crime competition kindly sponsored by ASDA where young people brought the issue of cyber crime awareness to life using their imagination and skills.
"Tackling cyber crime and keeping our communities safe is a key focus in my Police and Crime Plan and a major part in tackling these issues is raising awareness of the relatively simple steps you can take to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe.
"Who better to help with that than young people themselves who are often at the forefront of technology and much more digitally aware than most adults."
For more information contact DS Shelton Newsham policingandcrime@westyorks-ca.gov.uk