Cyberspark will host the Live Final of the Hack the Isles cyber security competition on 21 February 2026 at Campbell College Belfast, bringing together emerging cyber talent from across the five participating nations: Northern Ireland, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, for a high-intensity, real-world cyber battle.
The Live Final marks the culmination of a multi-stage programme involving more than 300 participants that began with regional bootcamps and progressed through to an online qualifier to decide the finalists. Competitors demonstrated technical capability, resilience, and problem-solving skills to earn a place in Belfast, where they will face immersive cyber scenarios designed to replicate contemporary security challenges faced by industry and government. The impact of the bootcamp stages are reflected in participant feedback, including Aurelia, who said:
“Last week, I participated in a national Capture the Flag competition as part of Hack The Isles by Cyberspark Group Ltd. Having previously felt hesitant about entering live CTFs due to limited experience (and preference to offline practice) this was a brilliant introduction.
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It had bootcamp support and inclusive challenges that catered to all skill levels. In my first national competition over NI, England and Wales I placed 24th overall, completing all beginner flags. It was rewarding to apply tools such as Aperisolve, CyberChef, zsteg and exiftool in a timed environment while exploring different areas of cyber.
The experience gave me greater confidence in tackling practical challenges. It also directly inspired SCS’s recent beginner CTF! I look forward to competing more.”
Similarly, Aiman Nabeel Mohammed reflected on the learning experience:
“It was a privilege to learn from experts like Jaagup Lasn and Daz P. A huge thanks Richard Coates for hosting the event and being so welcoming in person! Getting hands-on insights into multiple topics like OSINT, digital forensics, Cryptography, Networking and much more was definitely the highlight for me.
This was actually my first time really diving into cybersecurity, and I’ll admit I wasn't sure what to expect. However, the session made the complex world of security feel accessible and incredibly exciting. It was the perfect way to kick off my journey in this field.
What really stood out to me was the support from the instructors. They were right there helping us every step of the way, making sure no one was left behind and that we truly understood the "why" behind what we were doing.
Feeling more motivated than ever to keep pushing forward and building these skills. Thanks to the whole team for putting this together!”
The Hack the Isles event represents a significant milestone in developing practical cyber capability. The competition highlights Cyberspark’s commitment to strengthening the cyber ecosystem through partnership, innovation and opportunity. Commenting on the Live Final, Richard Coates, Chief Executive Officer of Cyberspark, said,
“The Live Final brings together the ambition, collaboration, and technical excellence that Hack the Isles was designed to foster. Seeing participants from across the five nations apply their skills in a realistic environment demonstrates the strength of emerging talent and the value of hands-on learning. We are proud to lead an initiative that not only challenges competitors but also builds confidence, resilience and pathways into the cyber sector.”
Delivered in collaboration with academic partners, industry sponsors and technical exercise specialists, Hack the Isles is designed to bridge the gap between education and operational practice. The initiative provides hands-on experience in areas such as threat detection, incident response and cyber defence, equipping participants with the applied skills required to enter the cyber workforce.
Daz Preuss from CybExer, the technical partner for the Live Final, commented:
“CybExer are proud to be deeply involved in the Live Final as the technical partner, supporting the event through our immersive cyber range platform and helping to deliver a realistic, high-impact competitive experience for all teams involved.
This Live Final represents a fantastic opportunity to showcase practical cyber skills in action, and we’re excited to see participants apply their knowledge in a dynamic, real-world scenario. Being part of this inaugural event is particularly special for us, as it aligns perfectly with our mission to strengthen cyber resilience through hands-on learning. CybExer are particularly enthused by the Hack the Isles series as we have been able to reduce the barrier to entry for cyber training by delivering a blend of tuition and CTF hunting. The energy, collaboration, and innovation surrounding the competition have been outstanding, and it’s been a privilege to work alongside committed partners such as Cyberspark. We’re incredibly proud to support the teams and organisers in bringing this event to life. We look forward to seeing the Live Final set a strong foundation for future competitions and continued growth in the cyber skills ecosystem.
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Who knows, perhaps there is scope for Threat Hunting and Live Fire events in the future.
Although CybExer provide a world class cyber range platform, it should not be overlooked at just how courageous all of the participants through the series have been. To willingly sign up for bootcamp training and individual performance assessments requires participants to willingly expose themselves to an element of uncertainty, unknowing and pressure. This environment provides a catalyst for rapid development and reduces the barriers to entry into a cyber career. The bravery and courage of the participants to volunteer serves only to hone their skills as a valuable team member. The synergy of a cyber team is greater than the sum of its parts. This is the basis of teamwork, resilience, impact and opportunity.”
Alongside the competition, the Live Final will feature networking opportunities, stakeholder engagement, and live coverage showcasing the importance of collaboration in strengthening cyber capability across these islands. The event also highlights the role of sponsorship and partnership in supporting talent development and advancing cyber education pathways.
Cyberspark’s mission is to develop the next generation of cyber professionals through practical learning experiences including bootcamps, cyber exercises, and competitive events. Hack the Isles stands as a flagship programme demonstrating how cross-sector collaboration can nurture capability, inspire participation and strengthen the cyber ecosystem.
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