British authorities are enlisting teenagers with hacking skills to assist in combating cybercrime, a growing concern that has seen young individuals linked to attacks on major organizations. The National Crime Agency (NCA)'s Cyber Choices scheme has received over 1,150 cases in the past eight years, with nearly 600 referred in the last three years, according to the BBC.
Paul Foster, who leads cyber prevention work at the NCA, stated that young, English-speaking hackers are playing an increasingly prominent role in serious cyber-attacks. He noted that individuals from Western countries are now more active in cybercrime. These young hackers have been connected to attacks on entities such as Transport for London and MGM Grand in 2024, and Marks and Spencer and the Co-op in 2025. The surge in activity also includes an increasing number of hacks targeting individuals for their cryptocurrency holdings.
Foster explained that young people are exposed to online activities and devices at very young ages, which can lead them into criminal communities and influences. He emphasized that many young offenders do not initially intend to become criminals. Instead, they often start by experimenting with technology, testing systems, or attempting to bypass restrictions. This exploration can lead them into online communities where hacking is encouraged.
The Cyber Choices program specifically targets boys and young men who are at risk of being drawn into cyber criminality, aiming to redirect their technical talents toward positive applications. PC Sam Cooper, a cyber prevent officer, highlighted that many of these young individuals possess exceptional skills that, if channeled correctly, can be highly beneficial. The scheme provides a pathway for these individuals to use their abilities for law enforcement purposes, diverting them from potentially destructive or illegal activities. The increasing referral numbers suggest a growing recognition of this approach's necessity and potential effectiveness in addressing the evolving landscape of cyber threats.
