National Missing Persons Hackathon unites 700 cyber experts

The National Missing Persons Hackathon saw over 700 participants come together for a concentrated five-hour session to tackle six longstanding missing person cases.

This event has been part of the national cybersecurity calendar since 2019 and involves a collaborative effort, including AustCyber, the Australian Federal Police's National Missing Persons Coordination Centre, and various industry and community partners.

Stone & Chalk has reaffirmed its commitment to this initiative by continuing its role as a major sponsor for the 2024 Hackathon. Chris Kirk, Group CEO of Stone & Chalk, emphasized the significance of such events in showcasing the practical applications of cybersecurity skills. "We're excited to support this hackathon where 700 people will spend five hours working to solve six missing person cases. It's a great example of how technology can tackle tough problems in the real world. Australia's cyber security sector is going to need 85,000 more people by 2030, and right now, 74% of professionals say there's a shortage of skilled workers. Events like this are critical. Bringing together a diverse group of participants, we're showing how technology can be powerful tool for good," said Kirk.

The Hackathon has grown from its initial stages to encompass participants nationwide, uniting cybersecurity professionals, students, and volunteers. The initiative focuses on solving real-world cases through ethical hacking and open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques. Linda Cavanagh, the founder of the Hackathon, underscored its broader mission: "Our mission goes beyond data gathering. We challenge participants to delve deep into each case, searching for that one crucial piece of information that could unlock a missing persons investigation for families and law enforcement. What began as a local event in Canberra has blossomed into a nationwide initiative, uniting cyber security professionals, students, and volunteers from all walks of life. Through ethical hacking and OSINT techniques, we're making a tangible impact on real cases. This event isn't just about solving cases; it's about fostering a community dedicated to using technology for social good and showcasing the vital role of cyber security skills in today's world."

Participants at the Hackathon will gain access to advanced OSINT techniques and specialised training programs. These resources aim to enhance their skills and produce actionable intelligence reports for real-world law enforcement applications. This year, the event introduces a new custom-built platform optimised to facilitate the capture-the-flag (CTF) format, boosting the sophistication of intelligence gathering capabilities.

The event also serves as a platform to raise awareness about career opportunities within the cybersecurity industry. By bringing together a diverse group of tech experts and newcomers, the Hackathon aims to inspire a new generation of ethical hackers. Additionally, it highlights the importance of building a robust cybersecurity workforce to address future skill shortages.

Alongside Stone & Chalk, other principal sponsors include IAG. Industry partners such as Murfin Group, Fifth Domain, OSINT Combine, My OSINT Training, Cygenus, Newrali, and Haystack Solutions have also lent their support to the event. The collaborative spirit demonstrated by these sponsors and partners underscores the importance of community in driving technological innovation for social good.

The Hackathon is being live-streamed to allow the public to follow the developments as they unfold. This transparency aims to build public engagement and show the tangible impact of cybersecurity efforts in solving real-world problems.