As our world continues to digitise, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been greater. However, the growing talent shortage presents a significant challenge for organisations. To tackle this issue, the Human Capital Agenda (HCA) Security 2023 - 2026 , has outlined 25 strategic interventions. This initiative, driven by the collective ambition of over 70 partners from the HSD and CVD networks, includes a focus on engaging the younger generation. In line with this goal, we collaborated with HackShield Academy and DIVD Academy to raise cybersecurity awareness and introduce potential career opportunities to secondary school pupils. This collaboration led to the launch of the Ethical Hacking Quest in June 2024.
Lieke van Heel, HackShield Academy: “We were just starting with the development of this Ethical Hacking Quest together with DIVD Academy when Mira van Benthem (Security Delta) approached us looking for a collaboration based on our shared ambitions. We were very pleased with the offer, which led to the contribution of HSD through providing input on the quest’s content and making connections with secondary schools to ensure widespread participation in the development of the Ethical Hacking Quest.”
Lieke van Heel, HackShield Academy (left), Rob Sies, ONC Parkdreef Zoetermeer (middle) and Tim Murck, co-founder HackShield Academy
This interactive and educational game engages secondary school pupils in cybersecurity and ethical hacking. It teaches them about online safety while encouraging interest in IT and cybersecurity careers. The quest fosters awareness and skill development in cybersecurity by immersing pupils in real-world challenges like data breaches and source code modification.
In June 2024, the Ethical Hacking Quest was rolled out in various schools. One of the participants, OCN Parkdreef in Zoetermeer, saw enthusiastic engagement from its pupils. They tackled digital safety challenges, ranging from data breaches to game hacking, and even practiced modifying source code. The experience not only taught them about online dangers but also opened their eyes to the possibility of future careers in cybersecurity.
Rob Sies, a teacher at ONC Parkdreef Zoetermeer: "It was incredible to see how quickly the students grasped the concepts of ethical hacking. Their curiosity was piqued, and many left the session wanting to learn more about a career in cybersecurity. What struck me was how much the pupils enjoyed looking 'behind the scenes' during the 'ethical hacking' quest. They were often shocked by how much information was accessible via their email (for example, through 'Have I Been Pwned?'), which made them think about their digital safety."
Rob continues: “For my colleagues, it was an interesting challenge. Although enthusiastic, they found the quest more difficult than expected, increasing their awareness of security. In the end, four teachers completed the quest, and that enthusiasm remained. I have already contacted many fellow teachers to add this quest to their lessons so we can equip young people with the knowledge and skills to contribute to cybersecurity.”
As HackShield co-founder Tim Murck explained: "Our mission is to make young people resilient to online dangers and to show them how their digital skills can make a positive impact on society. We’re proud of the enthusiasm we’ve seen from pupils and teachers so far."
Looking ahead, a dedicated landing page on www.securitytalent.nl is in development to provide participants in the Ethical Hacking Quest with access to further cybersecurity education and career opportunities. This resource will be tailored to guide young people who have completed the Ethical Hacking Quest and want to explore the next steps in their journey toward a cybersecurity career.
Get Involved
The Ethical Hacking Quest is a 40-60 minute lesson designed for secondary school pupils and is available for schools across the Netherlands. If you’re interested in bringing this interactive session to your school or want more information, contact HackShield at info@joinhackshield.nl.
HSD's involvement in this initiative is part of the IT Verband Zuid-Holland programme, which aims to tackle the growing talent shortage, especially for SMEs in South Holland. The ITVZH-programme is a collective effort that also includes WE-IT Zuid-Holland, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Dutch Innovation Factory, and IT Campus Rotterdam.
