Co-op Aims to Divert More Young Hackers into Cyber Careers

The Co-op, a popular UK supermarket chain, has announced a new partnership with social impact business The Hacking Games with the goal of identifying and nurturing cyber talent in young people. The move comes after the Co-op was hit by a devastating ransomware attack last spring, resulting in data loss and operational disruption that affected some stores for weeks.

The attack, which targeted the chain's 6.5 million members, has had significant repercussions, with four individuals recently arrested in the UK in connection with the incident. The arrests include two 19-year-olds, a 17-year-old, and a 20-year-old. Co-op group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq has expressed her commitment to tackling cyber threats head-on, stating that "we can't just stand back and hope it doesn't happen again – to us or to others."

"Our members expect us to find a cooperative means of tackling the cause, not just the symptom," she added. "Our partnership with The Hacking Games lets us reach talented young people early, guide their skills toward protection rather than harm, and open real paths into ethical work." Khoury-Haq emphasized that by expanding opportunities, businesses can reduce risk while also making a positive impact on society.

The focus of the partnership is on three key areas: prevention, early intervention, and awareness raising. To achieve this, The Hacking Games will conduct an independent research study led by Oxford University professor Jonathan Lusthaus. The findings of the study will inform a pilot program within schools affiliated with the Co-op Academies Trust, which supports over 20,000 students across dozens of schools.

The aim is to develop a comprehensive program that could one day be rolled out nationwide. This initiative would focus on earlier engagement and targeted student and parent training. The Co-op hopes to leverage The Hacking Games' experience in running capture the flag and other events to inspire young neurodivergent people into ethical cyber careers.

Statistics highlight the growing need for cyber talent. A staggering 69% of European teenagers have committed some form of cybercrime or online offence, while over 50% of tech employees self-identify as neurodivergent. The UK is particularly in need of more cyber professionals, with a shortage estimated to be over 70,000.

The ISC2 has noted that the country needs more skilled individuals to fill the gap between supply and demand. With this partnership, The Co-op aims to make a meaningful contribution to addressing the growing threat of cybercrime and fostering a new generation of ethical hackers.