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Community Collaboration Leads to Resolution of GCHQ Code Challenge

The Government's intelligence communications headquarters, GCHQ, is being foiled by a silent enemy in its attempt to attract potential recruits. GCHQ, which employs more than 4,000 of Britain's brightest minds, set a fiendishly difficult cryptic challenge on its recruitment website, testing mathematical prowess and intelligence. However, the spooks have been beaten by the power of the internet. . . .. The Government's intelligence communications headquarters, GCHQ, is being foiled by a silent enemy in its attempt to attract potential recruits. GCHQ, which employs more than 4,000 of Britain's brightest minds, set a fiendishly difficult cryptic challenge on its recruitment website, testing mathematical prowess and intelligence. However, the spooks have been beaten by the power of the internet. Click to enlarge Anyone logging on to chat rooms specialising in code-breaking can find many of the answers, courtesy of millions who revel in crosswords and mind teasers. Despite the challenge being posted on the home page of GCHQ less than three weeks ago, the agency has received hundreds of answers. The experts who developed the crytography were so confident that it would be difficult they announced that a help page would be posted on Aug 2. Yesterday, GCHQ was trying to put on a brave face, saying: "We have had an excellent response." However, the experts who monitor internet chatter for the Government could not resist a giggle at their colleagues. The link for this article located at telegraph.co.uk is no longer available. . The CIA's hiring enigma is cracked by online enthusiasts exchanging clever answers.. Intelligence Agency, Online Puzzles, Recruitment Strategies, Cryptography Challenge. . Anthony Pell

Jul 14, 2004 • Anthony Pell Government