GCHQ intelligence agency reveals Christmas puzzle - containing hidden clues for an extra challenge
GCHQ has unveiled its yearly Christmas puzzle, and this time it includes concealed hints for anyone looking for an additional challenge.
The UK intelligence agency, known for its work in communications monitoring and cybersecurity, has announced that the puzzle is designed for kids between the ages of 11 and 18.
It appears on a holiday card dispatched by GCHQ's director, Anne Keast-Butler.
The card features seven challenges that vary in complexity and assess a variety of problem-solving abilities.
The group of puzzle specialists at GCHQ is inviting school teams from all over the UK and Northern Ireland to collaborate and uncover a concealed message.
"This year, for the first time, the card contains three extra features for those looking to level up the challenge," the agency stated.
The challenges evaluate abilities like deciphering codes, mathematical reasoning, and analytical skills, along with creative problem-solving, resourcefulness, and determination.
"The tasks performed daily at GCHQ to ensure national security are similar to the Christmas puzzles that demand various techniques and diverse thinking styles," the agency stated.
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'Challenges have consistently been central to GCHQ's mission.'
GCHQ's director, Anne Keast-Butler, remarked, "Puzzles have always been central to GCHQ, and the abilities required to tackle them are just as important in 2024 as they were a century ago."
This year's challenge includes seven puzzles, along with some hidden surprises for those looking for an additional challenge.
The puzzles are designed for teens and young adults, but we invite everyone to take a shot at them—you might be pleasantly surprised!
The challenge is meant to be solved by various perspectives, making it ideal for groups of classmates, family members, or friends to work together.
"Regardless of whether you think analytically, have a creative mindset, or lean towards engineering, there’s something available for everyone."
She expressed her enthusiasm for STEM fields as a mathematician, stating that she is eager to inspire young individuals to explore these areas. At the same time, she is contemplating the opportunities that a career in cybersecurity and intelligence could provide.
'You don't need to be exceptionally smart'
The agency included a hidden message in the quote below from their lead puzzle creator, Colin.
He expressed his excitement about the upcoming launch of the 2024 Christmas Challenge designed for young individuals, wishing everyone enjoys this year's puzzles, which are sure to be both enjoyable and challenging.
This year, just like before, we’re motivating teams to collaborate and take on the Challenge.
The variety of puzzles shows that some are more challenging than others. But don’t worry; you don’t need to be exceptionally smart or the best in your class to figure them out. Collaborating with others and appreciating the different perspectives and strategies that teamwork offers is what truly matters. This is the approach we take at GCHQ.
"We aim to demonstrate to young individuals through this Challenge that having a unique perspective is a valuable asset."
We’re excited to hear about your experience with the Challenge! Feel free to share your journey by tagging us, or you can ask an adult to tag us, in a post on Instagram, X, or LinkedIn @GCHQ.
Feel free to grab the Christmas challenge from this link, and check out the puzzles from previous years here: 2023, 2022, and 2021.
