Teen hackers tell BBC how police are helping them use their skills for good
Summary
The UK police run a program called Cyber Choices that helps teenage hackers use their skills in positive ways instead of criminal hacking. Officers work closely with these young people to teach them what is legal, encourage professional training, and guide them towards cybersecurity careers.Key Facts
- Lucas, a 16-year-old, hacked his school computers to play games and visit blocked websites.
- His mother contacted the police, leading to involvement with PC Sam Cooper from Cyber Choices.
- Cyber Choices is a program that aims to prevent youths from turning to cybercrime by educating and supporting them.
- More than 1,150 cases have been referred to this program in eight years, with many in the last three years.
- Teenage hacking groups have been linked to serious cyberattacks on large organizations in recent years.
- Many young offenders start by experimenting with technology before getting involved in criminal hacking communities.
- Most participants in the program are neurodiverse, meaning they may have conditions like autism that affect their social and learning styles.
- The program helps direct young hackers towards legal computer skills and potential careers in cybersecurity.
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