Think You Can Crack It? UK Spy Agency Challenges Future Codebreakers With Annual Christmas Puzzle

On 11th December, the UK’s cyber-intelligence agency (GCHQ) released its annual Christmas Puzzle. This festive card features a series of tricky puzzles to spark interest in codebreaking and clue-solving. The challenge targets young people aged 11 to 18, encouraging them to team up and tackle seven brainteasers.

What’s The Christmas Puzzle?

The head of GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters) sends the card to national security leaders worldwide. The Christmas puzzle was added in 2015, becoming an annual tradition. The card is also available on the GCHQ website and has gained popularity among teachers, with a third of UK secondary schools reportedly downloading it.

What’s Inside The Puzzle?

This year’s card features a detailed map of the UK, highlighting locations of GCHQ’s bases. For instance, it includes the agency’s iconic headquarters in Cheltenham, known as “the doughnut” due to its distinctive circular design.

The puzzle taps into Britain’s love of problem-solving and celebrates the historical connection between puzzles and intelligence work. This link is famously showcased through stories of Bletchley Park, the WWII codebreaking centre where mathematicians, cryptologists, and puzzle enthusiasts deciphered Nazi Germany’s secret communications.

Overall, the challenge invites the public to decode the names of UK landmarks, testing their codebreaking, mathematical, and lateral thinking skills.

“The skills we want are quite diverse. We like analytical skills but also lateral thinking skills. And we like the idea with some of these puzzles that it involves a certain amount of perseverance to get to the answer,” commented GCHQ’s lead puzzle creator, Colin.

A Secret Motive Behind The Christmas Puzzle

The agency acknowledges that the festive challenge has a secret motive. In particular, GCHQ Director Anne Keast-Butler expressed hope that the card would inspire young people to delve into STEM subjects — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Another purpose is to give them the opportunity to explore the possibilities of a career in cybersecurity and intelligence.

Additionally, the tradition seeks to break down stereotypes about intelligence work, often shaped by fictional portrayals like James Bond.

Colin also emphasised that the challenge is best approached through teamwork, contrary to the stereotype of a solitary genius or secret agent working alone.

“Make no mistake – we have brilliant minds here. But what truly matters is the collaboration of people with diverse skills,” he said.

Experts’ Advice To Tackle The Challenge

Recently, the BBC published an article featuring expert advice on tackling the GCHQ Christmas challenge. GCHQ Director Anne Keast-Butler, speaking on BBC Breakfast earlier on Wednesday, emphasized the importance of teamwork and bringing together a diverse range of minds.

Bobby Seagull, a maths teacher, writer, and passionate participant in the challenge, agrees on this advice.

“We all remember from school that people have different skill sets,” he says. “Some think mathematically, others are visual learners or more linguistic. It shows that a variety of skills are crucial.”

Alan Connor, crossword editor at the Guardian and puzzle consultant for BBC One’s Ludwig, advises not to worry about feeling clueless.

“The person setting the puzzle wants you to solve it,” he explains. “Public puzzles won’t ask for things you don’t know.”

Connor also notes that the goal of the public challenge is to make you feel accomplished after overcoming some difficulty. The key, he says, is figuring out what the puzzle is actually asking.