Week 1: Digital Defender
Online safety fundamentals, smart password habits, privacy awareness, and how to spot social engineering traps before they spread.
From DECYBER
Project Defend
The cybersecurity bootcamp where kids learn to think like hackers and defend like pros.
Contendly runs immersive, age-appropriate cybersecurity training for young people aged 9 to 16.
// Mission Briefing
What is Project Defend?
Project Defend is a 3-week cyber mission designed for kids and teens to learn practical digital defense through live, guided sessions. Each day introduces a themed concept with hands-on activities that build confidence fast. Every week closes with a live Capture the Flag challenge where operatives apply what they learned under game-time pressure. By the end, students advance from online safety and social engineering awareness to Linux terminal operations and beginner forensics thinking.
Week 2: Code Breaker
Networking basics, cryptography missions, browser dev tools, and code puzzles that teach clear thinking under pressure.
Week 3: Linux Hacker
Terminal operations, file systems, user permissions, and real forensics-style investigation workflows on a safe training environment.
// Skill Tree
What Kids Learn
Core cyber skills are taught as progressive mission modules so each week builds directly on the last.
Password
Security
Phishing
Detection
Encryption
Caesar
Ciphers
HTML &
DevTools
DNS &
Networking
Steganography
Hashing
Linux
Terminal
File
Permissions
Log
Analysis
Digital
Forensics
CTF
Challenges
// Weekly Missions
The CTF Hackathons
Every Friday, operatives enter a live hackathon hosted on the Contendly platform to test practical skills in real time.
Operation: Digital Shield
Browser-based puzzles, mini security games, and cyber escape rooms focused on foundational defense instincts.
Operation: Code Breaker
Cipher decoding, DevTools investigations, and steganography missions that strengthen analysis and pattern recognition.
Operation: Root Access (Grand Final)
Live Linux shell exercises plus a 2-hour multi-stage challenge designed to bring all three weeks together.
// Intel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick mission intel for parents and future operatives.
No experience is needed. Week 1 starts from scratch and builds confidence before moving to advanced missions.
Project Defend is designed for ages 9 to 16, with activities that scale in depth based on each learner's pace.
Participants need a computer or laptop and a stable internet connection for live sessions and weekly hackathons.
Yes. All content is age-appropriate, supervised, and focused on defensive skills only. No real live-system hacking is involved.
After you submit your details, our team will contact you within 48 hours to confirm enrolment and next steps.
Yes. Every participant who completes the bootcamp receives a digital Project Defend completion certificate.