GCHQ launches crypto app for the kids

GOVERNMENT SPOOK AGENCY GCHQ has released a cryptography game for kids in an attempt to boost science, technology, engineering and maths skills.

The government, and a lot of other people, are all about the so-called STEM skills, and we have already seen the Raspberry Pi Foundation make a spacy stand on it.

Now it is the turn of GCHQ, which in itself is following a government pattern of pre-teen prep practice.

GCHQ told us that it is releasing Cryptoy to the application stores on the third anniversary of the government's National Cyber Security Strategy.

The title is pitched at secondary students and their teachers, and offers an insight into encryption and cryptography.

This is not the first effort from the agency, and is unlikely to be its last. It has an interest in cryptography, and an interest in having a pool of skilled workers coming out of the education system.

"Building maths and cyber skills in the younger generation is essential for maintaining the cyber security of the UK and growing a vibrant digital economy," said GCHQ director Robert Hannigan.

"That is why I am keen for GCHQ to give something back through its work with school and universities.

"The app was developed by GCHQ's industrial placement students and trialled at a number of science fairs.

"I hope it will inspire further study of this key topic, which has played such an important part in our past and is an invaluable part of our future."

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GCHQ launches crypto app for the kids