UK spy agency GCHQ has launched its first app for children, designed to teach secondary school-aged kids how to understand basic encryption techniques.
Cryptoy was designed by students on a year’s placement at GCHQ as part of a project to demonstrate encryption to attendees at the Cheltenham Science Festival. The decision to make it publicly available was taken after requests from teachers, GCHQ said in a press release.
Although it’s designed mainly for Key Stage 4 students, the Android app could technically be used by anyone with an interest in encryption.
It can be seen as part of the government’s efforts to improve the take-up of STEM subjects at GCSE level and beyond.
Available for free on Google Play now, Cryptoy is designed to teach users about four encryption techniques: Shift, Substitution, Vigenère and Enigma.
“It helps you to understand ciphers and keys, and enables you to create encrypted messages that you can share with your friends,” according to its description on the Google app store.
GCHQ claimed that even though the crypto-techniques taught by the app are “from an earlier era” they still share the same principles as today’s equivalents.
“Building maths and cyber skills in the younger generation is essential for maintaining the cybersecurity of the UK and growing a vibrant digital economy,” said GCHQ director, Robert Hannigan in a statement.
“That is why I am keen for GCHQ to give something back through its work with school and universities.”
Brian Higgins, schools programme manager for the Cyber Security Challenge, claimed he would be incorporating the app into the Cyber Security Challenge Schools Programme and would be recommending it to the likes of Code Club and TechFuture Girls to broaden its usage even further.
GCHQ said it is hoping to make available a version of Cryptoy for iPad in 2015.
Security experts welcomed GCHQ's decision to make the app publicly available.
"Much like teaching a child to look left and right before crossing the road, encryption in today's digital world is a valuable life skill," Bloxx CEO Charles Sweeney told Infosecurity.
"No doubt enterprises will also be pleased as it will increase employee general security awareness, although admittedly they will be waiting a few years to see the benefits."