THE UK’s intelligence, security and cyber agency, Government Communication Headquarters (GCHQ) has released this year’s official Christmas card, director Sir Jeremy Fleming has said.
Each year the card contains a Christmas brainteaser, only this time there’s a twist as the seven difficult puzzles have been specially designed for 11 to 18-year-olds.
The agency, which works to keep the country safe, is encouraging secondary schools and colleges of the country on Monday (13) to take part in the #GCHQChristmasChallenge. The aim is to persuade more young people to take an interest in STEM subjects and consider future careers in the intelligence services.
Director GCHQ Sir Jeremy Fleming, said: “From enigma to artificial intelligence, GCHQ's history is full of talented people tackling the country’s most complex challenges. If we’re to help keep the country safe, problem-solving skills and teamwork are absolutely crucial.
“That’s why this year’s Christmas puzzles are aimed at young people. I want to show young people that thinking differently is a gift. It is only with the right mix of minds that they can solve seemingly impossible problems, just like we do at GCHQ.”
Director’s Christmas card is traditionally sent to National Security colleagues and partners across the world, who work alongside GCHQ every day to counter the organised crime gangs, terror groups and hostile states.
But this year the card sets a not-so-secret mission for young people through a set of puzzles which increase in difficulty. Each one is aimed at a particular age group and will need young people to think outside the box and work together to find the festive answer.
GCHQ is also encouraging the wider public to take on the challenge and pit their wits against school children to find out, if they’re smarter than an 11-year-old.
In 2019, the intelligence, security and cyber agency celebrated its Centenary year, and it now has sites across the UK including London, Bude, Scarborough, Cheltenham, and its latest addition being Manchester. With origins in WW1, the agency’s history is full of ordinary people working together to solve the extraordinary, using their ingenuity.
To support greater take up of STEM subjects, particularly among young girls, GCHQ has partnered with the organisation Stemettes on several activities over the last few years.
Young people who would enjoy the Christmas Card puzzles and are interested in developing their cyber skills are encouraged to take part in the National Cyber Security Centre’s CyberFirst activities, or there are more puzzles on the GCHQ website.
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During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)