The deadline for registration and completion of the initial assessment phase of the UK government’s cyber-security training programme, Cyber Discovery, has been extended to January 31.

Funded by the Department for Digital, Media, Culture and Sport, Cyber Discovery is a free programme that uses gamification to teach and demonstrate the basics of cyber-security. It is aimed at students aged 14 to 18 across the UK and was set up to help plug the country’s cyber-security skills gap.

The programme uses interactive games on topics such as forensics, coding and cryptography to spark curiosity, critical thinking and problem solving.

Registration for the assessment phase of the initiative – CyberStart Assess – is open to students, as well as teachers and club leaders interested in volunteering to mentor and coach students through the programme.

The next phase of the programme – CyberStart Game – opened on January 15 for candidates who achieved the required score for progression.

For details, visit www.joincyberdiscovery.com