Today sees the release of the annual GCHQ Christmas puzzle-teaser. See how you get on with this multi-layered conundrum.
There are a few dots and dashes to give some of you old-school radio types a bit of a head start, although apparently it takes more than experience, raw IQ or a direct hotline to Santa to solve all the facets of this years quiz.
If fact, GCHQ's Director Anne Keast-Butler says 'The challenge has been designed for a mix of minds to solve, so is best tackled in groups of classmates, families or friends. Whether you have an analytical mind, a creative brain or prefer engineering, there's something for everyone'.
I was intrigued to watch the BBC's tightly-chaperoned visit to GCHQ's Cheltenham headquarters on breakfast TV this morning, where I was pleased to observe that the reporter didn't exactly go easy on any of the interviewees, bringing up issues of mass-surveillance and even mentioning Mr Snowden at one point! Cheeky devil. Well worth a watch if you can find it on iPlayer or wherever.
You can view and download this years challenge resources on the GCHQ website, where you'll find the seven increasingly tricky tasks. I managed the first one, but then I was unexpectedly called away on urgent business... 🤔
Good luck, and Happy Christmas to all MSARS members!
Berni M0XYF