The Hacking Games x Sophos Virtu-os Press Release

LONDON, UK, 1 Oct. 2024

The Hacking Games x Sophos Virtu-os Press Release

The Hacking Games launches community of technology companies committed to creating a generation of ethical hackers, with Sophos as the inaugural sponsor

Sophos backs major new media and entertainment brand which launched earlier this year to inspire millions of young people to join the fight against cybercrime

Emerging new media and entertainment brand The Hacking Games (‘THG’) today announced the launch of its corporate community, with Sophos as the inaugural sponsor. Sophos’ sponsorship of THG is the first in a series of planned partnerships with other leading cybersecurity and technology companies.

THG, launched earlier this year, is focused on creating a generation of ethical hackers to make the world safer. Cybercrime is projected to cost the global economy $24 trillion by 2027, and therefore it is instrumental that this Virtu-os community of industry leaders work collectively to raise awareness and nurture talent into the world of cybersecurity. There are currently four million unfilled jobs in cybersecurity worldwide, and this number is growing, creating a global labour deficit that is tipping the scale in favour of criminal hackers. According to industry research, 80% of New York City teens tried hacking before they were 16 years old, as a result of their own curiosity, highlighting the need to educate youths about the ethical and career benefits of choosing cybersecurity for their path forward.

THG aims to shine a light on this growing problem of youth participation in cybercrime and inspire young people to become ‘ethical hackers’ to join the fight against it. Alongside the media campaigns, THG’s prolific community of world-renowned cybersecurity specialists are participating as mentors for the next generation. “We are facing a social pandemic of kids being exposed to cybercrime and we’ve been blown away by the industry’s response to the issue The Hacking Games exists to solve,” says co-founder and CEO Fergus Hay. “Cybercrime is a trend that can create huge societal damage and could, unfortunately, destroy the lives of many young lives if they become influenced by and choose the wrong ‘digital direction.’ We are thrilled that Sophos has committed to sponsoring THG and joining our mission to create a generation of ethical hackers. Sophos is the first of many major players in the cybersecurity and technology industry to come onboard and seize this moment to potentially divert millions of young people to the cause of fighting cybercrime – not participating in it.”

Rob Harrison, senior vice president of product management at Sophos, said: “Sophos is passionate about encouraging new talent into the cybersecurity industry, and The Hacking Games provide a fantastic platform for young people to develop the interest, knowledge and skills needed to build a younger group of ethical hackers. It’s also important for today’s career starters to know that cybersecurity is a well-paid, fast-paced, and intriguing global industry that needs practitioners. All together we can build an even more resilient digital future.”

‍