Shaping Tomorrow’s Cyber-Guardians: A Hackathon for Kids

In our hyperconnected world, cybersecurity is pivotal for our future. Therefore, preparing the next generation of cyber-guardians is among our most crucial responsibilities.

Recently, Cisco’s Customer Experience (CX) APJC team, in collaboration with the nonprofit Vivita, took a significant step toward this goal by hosting an immersive cybersecurity hackathon for children aged 9-14 at our Cisco Singapore office. This event provided more than just an educational experience; it offered a glimpse into a future where today’s young minds safeguard our digital world.

The future starts here: educating tomorrow’s leaders

As our digital landscape evolves, so do the threats we face. Today, cybersecurity involves understanding human behaviour, predicting potential risks, and remaining vigilant to keep digital systems secure. Our event introduced these concepts to children through hands-on, real-world scenarios that reflect daily challenges in cybersecurity.

Participants were divided into teams and immersed in a simulated cyberattack on a fictional supermarket, “CyberMart.” These young minds assumed roles as heroes, hackers, and frustrated customers, solving problems in real-time by developing strategies to counter threats and restore order. Observing them tackle these challenges with curiosity and determination was truly inspiring.

One participant, 10-year-old Ivan Porwal, who played the role of a hacker, asked a poignant question: “How are hackers able to breach systems despite good security?” This question sparked a deep discussion about the evolving nature of cyber threats and the importance of continuous learning and innovation in our field.

An ethical foundation for tech and security

With technology advancing rapidly, it’s crucial to guide the next generation not only in how to use these powerful tools but also in using them responsibly. Essentially, it’s about fostering a culture of digital citizenship, particularly as emerging technologies like artificial intelligence increasingly influence our world. Throughout the event, we emphasized the dual nature of technologies like AI, which can be forces for good—such as by helping us predict and prevent cyberattacks—but their effectiveness depends on responsible use.

Our responsibility as leaders is to ensure that as technology continues to evolve, we integrate cybersecurity into all products and services, and that all technology is developed and deployed with a strong ethical foundation. The children at our event learned that with great power comes great responsibility—a lesson essential as they grow into the tech leaders of tomorrow.

Bridging the skills gap: a collaborative effort

The skills gap in cybersecurity is a pressing challenge, with 3.5 million unfilled jobs worldwide. Events like our hackathon are critical in sparking interest and laying the groundwork for future careers in this field. By collaborating with organizations like Vivita, we’re not just providing educational opportunities; we’re fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation that will serve these young minds well as they navigate their future careers. Moreover, by providing hands-on experience and mentorship, we can equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this field.

Seeing the excitement and engagement from both the participants and our team members was a powerful reminder of why we entered this field. We all left the event with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing we’re contributing to a digital future that will be in capable hands.

Looking forward: the path ahead

As we continue to advance our cybersecurity strategies and defences, it’s essential to invest in the next generation of tech leaders. Our role isn’t just to protect today’s systems; it’s to prepare tomorrow’s cyber-guardians.

This event was a step in the right direction, but it’s only the beginning. We must continue to find multifaceted and innovative ways to engage, educate, and inspire young minds, while ensuring they are equipped with the technical skills and ethical grounding to use those skills for the greater good.

At Cisco, we are committed to empowering an inclusive future for all. By nurturing future tech leaders and instilling in them the principles of responsible AI and cybersecurity, we’re helping them navigate the complexities of the digital world—and supporting a safer, more secure digital future for everyone.

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