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A team of students from the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, clinched the runner up position in the prestigious Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge held in London.

This global competition involved 150 universities worldwide and not only saw all four  University teams secure places in the top 17, but also three of these teams—Meta-Sec, Crisis Hive, and Port-Sec—advancing to the semi-finals, with Meta-Sec securing an impressive second place in the final standings.

Dr Simona Ciobotaru, Course Leader for the BSc (Hons) Criminology and Cybercrime, said: “In an outstanding display of skill and determination, our students have achieved remarkable success in the prestigious Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge, solidifying our institution's reputation for academic and practical excellence in cybersecurity.”

is the only cross discipline cyber security student competition of its kind globally. Teams of four take on the role of advisors to the Cabinet Office during a simulated, escalating, cyber-attack against the UK. Success requires a comprehensive understanding of technology, policy, strategy, law, international relations and every other aspect of national and organisational cyber incident response is key for teams to succeed.

This competition, funded by the Atlantic Council, is a highly respected event and judged by a panel of directors and Chief Information Security Officers from leading organisations. It offers a unique opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills in front of some of the most influential figures in the cybersecurity industry.

Dr Ciobotaru continued: “The success of our teams, particularly Meta-Sec’s achievement of runner-up position, is a testament to the hard work, strategic insight, and dedication of our students and staff members Soraya Harding (lead coach) and Dr Iain Reid who supported the students. It is also indicative of the quality of education and mentorship provided at our institution, which competes at the highest level against top universities nationally.”

Dr Paul Smith, Head of School, Criminology and Criminal Justice, said: “Reaching the finals and performing so admirably against formidable competition highlights the extraordinary talent and potential of our students. It opens up unparalleled opportunities for placements, collaborative research, innovation projects, and employment within the industry's top organisations.

“This not only benefits our students in their future careers, but also enhances our institution's standing as a crucible of innovation and a forge for the cybersecurity leaders of tomorrow. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we are inspired to continue fostering an environment of support and inspiration for one another, aiming for even greater achievements in the future.”

Commendations were extended to all the Portsmouth teams – Meta-Sec, Crisis Hive, TorToises and Port-Sec – for their outstanding success on the global stage. The accomplishments reflect their commitment to excellence, the high calibre of our academic and support staff, and the collaborative ethos at the heart of the University. 

Here’s what some of the student finalists said about taking part in the competition: 

Edward Bousfield L4 BSc (hons) Counter Terrorism, Intelligence and Cybercrime, said: “Competing in the Cyber 9/12 Challenge has been an amazing experience. At every stage of the competition, my notions of cybersecurity have been challenged and developed. I am extraordinarily proud of my team for getting second place and grateful to our coaches for helping us realise our potential. To anyone thinking of competing next year, I say go for it, you learn so much and meet so many interesting people, it is like no other.”

Michael Aiwekhoe, L5 Cyber Security and Forensic Computing, said: “Securing second place in the UK, we proudly showcase our dedication to cybersecurity and the invaluable lessons learned. Our experience is not just a triumph but a testament to the power of teamwork and perseverance in the ever-evolving realm of cyber threats.”