As technology advances and becomes more integral to our daily lives, understanding how to protect and secure information is crucial. St Hilda’s is committed and passionate about providing our girls with the knowledge and skills to navigate this increasingly digital world safely and responsibly. We believe cybersecurity education is fundamental to our students’ academic journey.
Diving into cybersecurity [cryptography, network security, and ethical hacking
We are proud to announce that Rani and Aaralen, two of our students, alongside Mr Platten, one of our Technology Teachers, competed in the PECAN+ national cybersecurity competition organised by Edith Cowan University.
PECAN+ is a Capture The Flag (CTF) competition designed to challenge high school students in years 10-12. Participants engage in tasks and puzzles that test their knowledge and skills in cybersecurity, including cryptography, network security, and ethical hacking. The competition aims to raise awareness about cybersecurity and inspire students to pursue further studies and careers in this critical and rapidly growing field, where job opportunities are abundant, and the need for skilled professionals is high.
PECAN+ National Cybersecurity competition
Despite being beginners with only classroom experience, Rani and Aaralen demonstrated exceptional skills and perseverance. They finished 20th out of 53 teams, an impressive feat for first-time participants, and ranked as the second-best all-girls team. Their success is a testament to their hard work and the quality of our school’s cybersecurity education, inspiring others with their dedication.
Our students faced various challenges during the competition, from solving cryptographic puzzles to identifying software vulnerabilities and performing network analysis. Each task required critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. The girls worked tirelessly to understand and overcome each challenge, gaining a deep and diverse learning experience.
This course offers a solid foundation in cybersecurity principles and hands-on experience with real-world scenarios. Students learn about topics such as secure coding, ethical hacking, and digital forensics, preparing them for competitions like PECAN+ and potential future careers in cybersecurity.
Navigating the digital world safely and responsibly
St Hilda’s is committed to supporting and celebrating our students’ cybersecurity achievements and beyond. Rani and Aaralen’s success in PECAN+ is just the beginning.
We look forward to seeing more students take up the challenge and excel in this critical field. Together, we can build a strong foundation for the future of cybersecurity at our School.
