CyberFirst Advanced: Where Industry Meets Future Innovators

Cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and passwords—it’s about curiosity, problem-solving, and protecting the digital world we all depend on. This October, students aged 17-18 from CyberFirst schools and colleges in Wales will have the chance to step into the shoes of digital detectives, codebreakers, and ethical hackers with the brand new CyberFirst Wales Advanced Course, running from 27–31 October at Cardiff University’s Abacws Building.

Designed for students already studying Computing, this five-day, hands-on course will bring the world of cybersecurity to life through immersive workshops, team challenges, and real-world case studies.

What’s in Store for Students?

Each day of the course unlocks a new area of cybersecurity, giving students the chance to explore further the many paths this exciting field has to offer:

• Day 1: Digital Forensics

  Step into the world of cybercrime investigation. Students will learn how digital footprints, metadata, and even the dark web can be used to solve cases and track down threats.

• Day 2: Encryption

  Behind every secure message is some serious math. This session dives into the advanced technologies and skills that keep our digital communications safe.

• Day 3: Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)

  Discover how publicly available information—social media, online data, and open records—can be pieced together to uncover powerful insights.

• Day 4: Penetration Testing

  Students become ethical hackers for the day, learning how professionals find vulnerabilities before the bad guys do.

• Day 5: Capture the Flag!

  The ultimate test! Teams will use everything they’ve learned throughout the week to solve puzzles, crack codes, and navigate a thrilling scenario that pulls all their skills together.

Why It Matters

For students, this is more than just a course—it’s a chance to experience what a career in cybersecurity might look like. Whether they want to defend networks, outsmart hackers, or explore the frontiers of digital technology, this course is a step toward those goals.

The CyberFirst Advanced Course is also a great foundation for those considering applying for the prestigious CyberFirst Bursary when they head to university. The bursary is currently open for application for those applying to study in university next year.

A Call to Educators and Businesses

• Educators: This is a unique opportunity to enrich your students’ computing studies with real-world, practical experience. Encourage your 17-18 year olds to sign up, and help them take their first big step toward a career in cybersecurity.
• Businesses: We’re looking for industry partners to support the course. Sponsorship not only demonstrates your commitment to the future of the tech industry, but also connects you with the next generation of digital talent. From delivering workshops to mentoring students, your involvement could make a lasting impact.

this october in Cardiff the future of cyber security is waiting to be unlocked

• When

  27-31 October 2025

• Where

  Abacws, Senghennydd Road, Cathays, Cardiff. CF24 4AG.

• Who

  17-18 year olds from CyberFirst schools and colleges in Wales