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At just 16 years old, Lucas found himself in trouble for hacking into his school’s computer systems on two occasions. Motivated by curiosity and a desire to access games and blocked websites, he began experimenting with programming and even dismantled a computer tower at home to examine its components. Reflecting on his actions, Lucas shared with the BBC, “It’s quite a sense of achievement when you’ve succeeded in doing something that two or three trained professionals have spent a lot of time trying to stop you doing.” Despite nearing expulsion, his mother, unaware of the severity of his behavior, contacted the police, leading to a visit from PC Sam Cooper, a cyber prevent officer who has since been working closely with Lucas.
PC Cooper explained to Lucas the real-life implications and damage resulting from cyber-attacks, a message he has delivered to many other young individuals. His approach begins by clarifying what is legal and illegal online, followed by ongoing one-on-one sessions—often conducted in the youths’ homes—that aim to steer them toward professional training and qualifications in cybersecurity. Known as Cyber Choices or Cyber Prevent, this program functions somewhat like rehabilitation for young hackers and operates alongside the government’s Prevent strategy targeting potential terrorism offenders. During a recent visit, Cooper engaged with Lucas about his computer projects, helping him ensure his tools and software were legitimate. Soon, Lucas is set to visit a local university to explore cybersecurity courses, with hopes of inspiring him to pursue further education in the field.
Since its inception, the Cyber Choices program has dealt with over 1,150 referrals to the National Crime Agency (NCA), with nearly half of these referrals occurring in just the past three years. Authorities highlight that teenage hacking groups are increasingly involved in serious cyber incidents, such as attacks targeting Transport for London in 2024, MGM Grand the same year, and Marks and Spencer as well as the Co-op in 2025. Individual hackers have also been exploiting cryptocurrency holders. Paul Foster, who leads cyber prevention efforts at the NCA, acknowledged the growing issue: “It certainly has become more of a problem… Certainly English-speaking, western world individuals that we know are now more active in cyber-crime.” He pointed out that early exposure to digital technology often leads young people to online communities encouraging hacking, even if their initial intent is simply curiosity.
A significant portion of the young people engaged by Cyber Choices are neurodiverse, many of whom have autism or similar conditions. PC Cooper noted, “The vast majority of individuals I’m dealing with are neurodiverse,” and explained how these youths often relate more naturally to computers than to social and practical realities. Fixations on specific goals sometimes mean they resist adult guidance, a challenge that Cooper manages through patient conversations. Recent high-profile cases, like the autistic teenager who hacked Rockstar Games and another pair of autistic teens jailed for the TfL hack, bring awareness to this aspect. While some critics question whether teaching hacking skills risks creating more proficient offenders, Foster defends the initiative as a necessary intervention. “My fear is that if we didn’t give them something like Cyber Choices, where would they get that input and where would that input take them?” he said. For Lucas, the involvement of the police and support from Cyber Choices changed his path, helping him channel his skills toward more positive pursuits.
Meanwhile, success stories like 21-year-old Izak from Leicestershire illustrate the program’s potential impact. Having hacked school computers at 15 to facilitate graphic design work, Izak also found himself drawn into criminal hacking groups. The intervention by Leicestershire Police redirected him toward cybersecurity as a legitimate career, encouraging him to “use my cyber skills for good.” This transformation exemplifies the Cyber Choices program’s goal of preventing curiosity from evolving into criminal activity and providing young talents with an opportunity to flourish in the digital world responsibly
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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