Empowering the Next Generation of Cyber Security Talent

NCD Joins “Empower Girls” Event in Belfast

Event Overview

On 29 April 2025, Nihon Cyber Defence Co., Ltd. (NCD) proudly participated in the Empower Girls event held in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This inspiring initiative brought together hundreds of young students with a shared goal: to explore the world of cyber security and technology.

Empower Girls is designed to encourage young female students to consider careers in cyber security and digital technology. This year’s event welcomed approximately 600 Year 8 girls (ages 11–12) from 22 schools across Northern Ireland. Thanks to the region’s compact geography, even schools furthest from Belfast were able to reach the capital within two hours by bus. The venue buzzed with energy and curiosity, creating a vibrant atmosphere for a hands-on introduction to cyber security.

Students from across Northern Ireland travelled to Belfast to take part in Empower Girls.

A packed venue buzzing with energy as hundreds of young girls gathered to explore the world of cyber security.

About Empower Girls

The Empower Girls initiative is part of the UK National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) CyberFirst Schools and Colleges programme, which aims to inspire the next generation of cyber security professionals. While CyberFirst is open to all students, Empower Girls specifically seeks to close the gender gap in the sector by encouraging young girls to explore the possibilities of a future in cyber and tech. The programme highlights real-world applications of technology and opens doors to careers that many students may not have previously considered.

Edit Template

NCD's Interactive Zone

The event occupied an entire floor of a major Belfast venue, divided into an Interactive Zone and a Demo Zone, where organisations offered immersive and educational experiences.

Within the Interactive Zone, NCD hosted three popular activities:

Cyber Police Game (Elementary Version):A board game that introduces core cyber security literacy concepts.
Ransomware Simulation Game:A computer-based scenario showing what happens when a device is infected with ransomware, including how attackers interact with victims.
Password Checker:A tool that allowed students to test whether their passwords had previously been exposed in data breaches.

The Cyber Police Game was originally developed by the Aichi Prefectural Police in Japan and made available through their website. With the support of Aichi Prefectural Police and Ms. Kyoko Hanada from the Keio University Graduate School of Media Design, NCD translated the game into English specifically for this event. The Ransomware Game and Password Checker were custom-built by NCD staff to enhance hands-on learning.

All three activities attracted significant attention throughout the event’s three-hour duration, with constant engagement from students and educators alike.

Voices from the Floor

Participants were full of enthusiasm, with many expressing surprise and excitement. Comments included:

“I didn’t know vacuum cleaners and cars could connect to the internet!”

“This was really interesting—I never thought cyber security could be fun!”

Teachers and fellow exhibitors also appreciated the activities, noting how well they were tailored to the students’ age group and how effectively they conveyed key cyber security concepts.

Event Highlights and Role Models

In addition to interactive exhibits, the event featured inspiring speakers and role models, including Dr. Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Minister for the Economy, Northern Ireland, and Sara Lyons, NCSC CyberFirst Project Manager.

Their presence underscored the depth of female talent driving the UK’s cyber security leadership—and served as tangible examples of what’s possible for the next generation.

As a parent, I couldn’t help but imagine my own daughter participating in an event like this. (Though by the time she’s old enough, we may be back in Japan—timing is everything!)

Measuring Impact: Real Change in One Day

To assess the event’s impact, organisers conducted surveys before and after the event. Initially, only 40% of participants expressed interest in careers in cyber security or technology. Afterward, that number rose sharply to 72% — a powerful testament to the value of hands-on exposure and real-world role models.

This dramatic increase reflects how just one day of interactive learning can reshape perceptions and spark long-term interest in cyber careers.

Looking Ahead

NCD is committed to supporting the next generation of cyber security professionals and will continue to take part in outreach programmes that encourage inclusion and early engagement with the cyber security field.

We look forward to future opportunities to empower and inspire young minds—helping them recognise that a secure digital future depends on leaders just like them.

Cyber Maturity Assessment

Nihon Cyber Defence (NCD) offers comprehensive Cyber Maturity Assessments designed to evaluate an organisations current cyber security capabilities, identify areas for improvement, and develop a strategic roadmap to enhance overall security posture.