Latvia invites teenagers to join hands-on cybersecurity programme

Teenagers aged 15 to 18 are invited to apply for a practical cybersecurity programme running from January to June 2027, LSM reported. The programme, called “Hack. Learn. Protect.”, requires no previous cybersecurity experience.

Participants will learn the basics by completing cybersecurity missions in a secure online environment, with support from instructors. They will earn points, compete in teams and meet at a closing event.

Young people from across Latvia can apply. Applications are also open until November 30 for instructors, including computer science teachers, cybersecurity and IT professionals, graduates of the KiberACS programme, representatives of the Jaunsardze Centre and others interested in helping teenagers learn practical cybersecurity skills.

Instructors will be introduced to cybersecurity fundamentals and the virtual platform before the programme starts. They will receive access to the learning environment, practical experience and materials they can also use with young people at their school or in their community. Instructors will receive a stipend for completing the training and supporting students across five thematic modules.

The programme is based on learning by doing rather than classroom lessons. Over five learning months, participants will receive regular tasks and missions modelled on contemporary cyberattacks, but carried out in a secure training environment. They will have several months to practise, make mistakes, get help from instructors and take on increasingly difficult tasks.

Participants will need a computer, internet access and about four to five hours a month to practise independently and complete assignments at a time that suits them. The exercises will include checking whether a file or link is suspicious, understanding how a potential attacker thinks and learning how to protect themselves and others.