ABU DHABI // Schoolchildren from across the country have taken part in a cyber security competition.
The second National Electronic Security Authority (Nesa) Cyber Quest Competition took place at the Du Forum, Yas Island, on Tuesday.
It featured 60 pupils of various nationalities, from schools in the capital, Dubai, Al Ain and Fujairah, who competed in an intense three-hour game of cyber cat and mouse.
“We are pleased to follow on from last year’s successes by announcing the second edition of the UAE Cyber Quest Competition,” said Saif Al Nuaimi, Nesa head of regulatory and strategic affairs.
“This is a unique national competition that involves mid and high school students across the UAE, to increase their awareness of electronic security and inspire them to consider building a career in the field.
“We look forward to engaging with students, council representatives and parents in the UAE Cyber Quest Competition 2015.”
The contest is part of Nesa’s aim to educate middle and high school pupils about cyber security and to nurture an interest in computer science.
The competition was won by the “Defacers” team made up of Rami Mohammed and Rashid Helal.
In second place came the “Hoax Hunters” team of Amir Mahdy and Hassan Abdulla, while third place went to the “Code Compilers” team, made up of Adam Fakhri and Nashat Alfakih.
“Cyber Quest is providing a platform that educates and fosters the development of the next generation’s talent, Emiratis and non-Emiratis alike,” said Mr Al Nuaimi.
“The knowledge gained through the programme and student competition will not only strengthen the future career prospects of these students but will also positively impact their level of critical thinking, technological skills and educational development journey.
“The UAE has made significant headway with regards to its electronic infrastructure and digital economy, making this contest a highly relevant one for today’s youth.”
The competition is now open to pupils of all nationalities.
The finals day followed the first phase of the UAE Cyber Quest project, which involved six winter camps.
The first phase saw students attend the educational winter camp programme, which offered a series of unique, hands-on practical exercises and two core modules: Networking and Operating System Fundamentals, and Basic Ethical Hacking and Defence.
The camps attracted pupils from various public and private schools in the UAE.
In total, 560 children registered for the winter camps.
During the camps that number was whittled down to the 60 who scored the highest overall in performance.
This group was then eligible for the second phase of the 2015 project, which held the finals day on Tuesday.
The event follows a successful inaugural event held last year at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. nhanif@thenational.ae
