The UK’s intelligence and security organization, GCHQ, collaborates with artist Justin Eagleton to challenge the public’s problem-solving abilities, aiming to attract diverse talents in tackling security threats.
The UK’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) has unveiled a new brainteaser designed to assess the public’s analytical skills. Crafted in collaboration with artist Justin Eagleton, the puzzle challenges individuals to find a hidden message by identifying 13 elements within an image that correspond to letters of the alphabet. GCHQ’s Director, Anne Keast-Butler, emphasized the significance of diverse thinking in solving security challenges, underscoring the agency’s aim to attract a wide range of talents.
This initiative is part of GCHQ’s efforts to recruit individuals from varied backgrounds to help tackle global security threats more effectively. It coincides with the launch of the agency’s LinkedIn page, aimed at engaging with potential recruits who might not have previously considered a career in intelligence. The puzzle also seeks to highlight the importance of lateral thinking in overcoming sophisticated espionage tactics, including those involving cyber and physical threats, highlighted by recent incidents such as Chinese spies using LinkedIn for intelligence gathering.
Participants have until Thursday, 14 March, to solve the puzzle and uncover the hidden message, after which GCHQ will reveal the answers. The initiative not only serves as a recruitment tool but also marks an effort to increase awareness of GCHQ’s work and the diverse skills required to protect the UK.