RE_B00TCMP - CYBER PROGRAM

Re_B00TCMP is a cyber program designed to encourage students interested in coding and hacking into the cyber field. The program is run by mentors from the Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police.  

Our four students were among 100+ students to apply. Only 40 students were accepted into the program. Larni and Natalia were two of the nine female participants.  

Students were keen to arrive and quickly signed in at Fortress e-sports arena and began getting to know the other participants. The first session saw the students introduced to Bastien Treptel. Bastien was a criminal hacker, having hacked 40,000 credit card numbers from CBA at 16, getting caught when he ordered pizza. Bastien then took on ethical hacking, and started his own cyber security firm which he recently sold for $100 million. It was wonderful to hear about incredible talent being put to use. 

Students then moved into groups to complete an interactive cyber crime case, analysing evidence and learning the impact of ‘just a bit of fun’. One case looked at the impact of hacking on the business as well as the family of the child who hacked. 

The next session looked at what the cyber security world looks like. Students heard from Jules and Emily, hosts of the Girls Talk Cyber podcast, as they discussed their journey into cyber security, broke down key skills and showed how anyone can find their place in the industry. Emily talked about her experience transitioning from being a nurse to working in cyber security.  

Students then competed in Capture the Flag style activity. They analysed network traffic and traced the footsteps of hackers. Some incredible prizes were up for grabs. Congratulations to James, whose team came first. He will now have the opportunity to spend a day at Google HQ in Melbourne learning about the day to day of someone working in cybersecurity. Congratulations also to Larni, whose team placed third. Larni will now have the opportunity to spend a day at Telstra, learning what their cyber team does each day.  

Jessica Curtis

Classroom Teacher