GCHQ Christmas card sets annual code-cracking challenge
Fans of codebreaking, statistics, and brainteasers can now take on GCHQ’s new cryptic Christmas challenge.
On Wednesday, the UK's intelligence service issued its annual Christmas card, packed with puzzles and hidden codes designed to teach children aged 11 to 18 a variety of skills they may need to become a spy. According to GCHQ, the card was created by “schoolchildren as well as spies,” following a design competition that saw hundreds of young people enter in the run-up to the festive season.
The card features seven puzzles created by “GCHQ’s in-house puzzlers,” aimed at testing problem-solving skills such as intuitive and lateral reasoning.
Students were encouraged to respond to the prompt: “What do you think GCHQ looks like on Christmas Day?” They also attempted to weave hidden codes and ciphers into their designs. A panel of judges selected three winners from three different age groups.
“We believe the right mix of minds can solve seemingly impossible problems,” GCHQ said.
Anne Keast-Butler, Director of GCHQ, stated: “Puzzles are at the heart of GCHQ’s work to keep the country safe from hostile states, terrorists, and criminals; our teams are challenged to think creatively and analytically every day.”
She added, “I hope the puzzle will inspire the next generation to consider STEM careers and explore the rewarding opportunities in cybersecurity and intelligence.”
Meanwhile, the agency's ‘Chief Puzzler’, known only as ‘Colin’, said the puzzles were designed to test “the same mix of skills our teams use every day to keep the country safe.”
The answers will be revealed on Wednesday evening.
The Challenge Questions 🧩
Question 1: There are no repeated letters in this word, and no letters that are next to each other in the alphabet. Can you find it?
Question 2: In these streams, there is some driftwood. But where should it be?
Question 3: A robber must find a route through the house. He cannot go through the same coloured door twice in a row, and he cannot move against any arrows. Eventually, he gets caught by the police. Where was he caught?
Question 4: This year, Santa's gifts are wrapped in pairs. Which one is missing?
Question 5: In the phrase TWO UV PAIRS, the letters represent the digits 0, 1, 2...9 in a particular order, with each letter representing a different number. What is 1234567?
Question 6: Solve this code. It has lots of four-letter words!
Question 7: Find an appropriate 7-letter word based on the clues: ✓ = letter in the right place ? = letter in the wrong place
