For aspiring spies, it’s a secret mission with an unseasonal twist.
GCHQ has released its annual fiendish Christmas puzzle to test the James Bonds of tomorrow.
But unusually on a Christmas card puzzle, entrants will also have to look for hidden ‘Easter egg’ clues for an extra challenge.
The director of the intelligence agency, Anne Keast-Butler, aims to inspire both children and adults to explore the possibilities of a career in cybersecurity and intelligence through an engaging brainteaser.
Last year’s puzzle was downloaded 138,000 times in schools and homes around the world.
But do you have what it takes to crack the code?
Entitled the spy chief’s Christmas Card, the puzzle features seven challenges that incorporate GCHQ’s various locations in the UK, such as Manchester, London, Scarborough, Bude, and Cheltenham.
Each of the seven puzzles will lead you to a UK landmark.
The 2024 GCHQ Christmas puzzle- each of the tests will lead you to a famous UK landmark
Use the names of those landmarks, and the front cover of the card, to discover what people across all of our GCHQ locations will be this Christmas.
There are also three hidden puzzles – or Easter eggs – on the front cover of the card for those who want an extra challenge.
As the first female to lead GCHQ, Keast-Butler highlights that the puzzle serves as an excellent way to test one’s abilities in codebreaking, mathematics, and analysis, all of which are essential skills for the agency’s secretive operations.
She said: ‘Puzzles have always been at the heart of GCHQ, and the skills needed to solve them are just as relevant in 2024 as they were over 100 years ago.
‘This year’s Challenge features seven puzzles, plus several hidden elements for those who want an extra test.
‘The puzzles are aimed at teenagers and young people, but everyone is encouraged to give them a try – they might surprise you.
‘The Challenge has been designed for a mix of minds to solve, so is best tackled in groups of classmates, families or friends.
‘Whether you have an analytical mind, a creative brain or prefer engineering, there’s something for everyone.
‘As a mathematician, I also I’m passionate about STEM subjects and encouraging young people to give them a try.
The Government Communications Headquarters building in Gloucestershire
‘I hope the card will inspire young people to explore these STEM subjects and to consider what a career in cybersecurity and intelligence might have to offer.’
To get you started, GCHQ has released a quote today from their chief puzzler Colin with a message which reads: ‘Can you find a secret message in Colin’s quote? If so you’re a star!’
Colin said: ‘We are delighted to be releasing the fourth iteration of our Christmas Challenge aimed at young people, and we hope this year’s set of seven puzzles are as fiendishly enjoyable as ever.
‘We want teams working together to tackle the Challenge, which requires a range of skills and creative ways of thinking. And then see if you can find the Easter eggs we’ve hidden on the card. You may find naturally some parts trickier than others. However – as Anne Keast-Butler, our Director, said – solving puzzles requires a real mix of minds and approaches, just like the work at GCHQ.
‘With this challenge lastly we also hope to show young people that thinking differently is a gift.
‘We would really enjoy seeing how you get on with the Challenge, so please let us know by tagging us in a post on Instagram, X or LinkedIn @GCHQ.
‘Happy puzzle-solving!’
For all the answers see tomorrow’s Daily Mail.
