UK Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge – Call for Applications!

Please note that this is an internal-only opportunity available to The University of Manchester students.

Make your mark in intelligence by applying to join The University of Manchester Team for the UK Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge! The successful candidates will make a play for a place at the finals, which will include an all-expenses paid two-day trip to London (20 - 21 February 2024), spending two days in the iconic BT Tower, as well as receiving a stylish team hoodie!

Critical thinking and communications skills are essential; however technical knowledge is unnecessary. Our objective is to build a team as diverse as possible in terms of background and academic discipline.

The competition is an ideal experience in decision making during the time of a cyber crisis. You'll meet cyber security experts and representatives from across government and industry, providing you with incredible networking and future career opportunities. Current and previous partners have included BT, UK Civil Service, Sage, NATO, Beazley, Standard Chartered bank, and the Global Cyber Alliance.

You'll pit your wits against other teams as you respond to a complex and escalating cyber-attack with national and international ramifications. Over two days, comprising of three rounds, competing teams receive intelligence packs consisting of reports gathered from multiple sources. You'll work together to analyse the report, analyse the national and international implications of the content and then present your analysis and recommendations to a panel of judges from government and industry.

Apply before midnight on 20 November 2023  by e-mailing Prof Danny Dresner (daniel.dresner@manchester.ac.uk) with answers to the following questions:

• Question 0: Your name, course of study, expected date of graduation.
• Question 1: Why should you be at the 2023 Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge? Consider your skills, background and experience, how you can contribute, and why should you be chosen over other candidates? (maximum 500 words).
• Question 2:  What do you consider to be the most significant cyber incident (from open sources) to date and why? (maximum 500 words)
• Question 3: Based on the National Cyber Strategy 2022 and other relevant UK government strategy documents, what should the UK do to meet its aspirations to be a responsible, democratic cyber power? Refer to current and historic policy and strategy in this area to support your answer. (maximum 500 words)
• Question 4: How did you find out about the UK Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge?

Successful candidates will be notified by 29 November.

Good luck!