A look into the Maple Defender Cyber Challenge

July 10, 2025 – Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 2:00

Author: Flight Corporal Cassidy Ishmail-Pollard

On a Saturday in March, two teammates and I competed virtually in the Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group’s Maple Defender Cyber Challenge, a cybersecurity competition for cadets from the United Kingdom and Canada, composed of a series of tasks and a quiz.

A diverse trio from different backgrounds, united by a shared passion for digital defence, each brought different skillsets to the table to represent 110 Black Hawk Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. Flight Corporal (FCpl) Terence Wu had studied computer science, FCpl Anthony Zhang had a longstanding interest in computer technology and engineering, and I, FCpl Cassidy Ishmail-Pollard, had explored various coding languages, programs, and software.

Our team faced three main challenges: communicating while working solely online, ensuring efficient use of every minute in the four-hour time limit, and first identifying the tasks, before solving them.

The challenge was grueling and tiring, but it was worth it. As a team, we used prior knowledge to provide useful insights, working together to complete the tasks. We met obstacles and occasionally we were unsure of our next steps, but we would almost always find a solution. Since time was a factor, we learned to communicate concisely and clearly. The last component of Maple Defender was the quiz. Combining our knowledge and research, we were happy to achieve 100%.

The awards ceremony was held recently online, with Lieutenant-Colonel Jamie Siebring, accompanied by Chief Warrant Officer Glen Phinney from Canadian Forces Network Operations Centre (CFNOC), joining us as the keynote speaker. Brigadier Gary McDade, Deputy Commander Cadets, UK Army Cadet Force and Combined Cadet Force (Army) also joined to support the UK teams.

Brigadier McDade highlighted the long and important relationship between Canada and the UK and how this challenge has helped keep that relationship alive. He also shared, “whether you choose a life of military service or completely different, the skills you’re learning in Cadets will give you a fantastic foundation for life.”

LCol Siebring reinforced the importance of cybersecurity, sharing CFNOC’s role and unique opportunities. He spoke of the importance of collaboration and trust saying, “it’s awesome to see young people using these skills and working together.”

CWO Phinney elaborated on the extensive training taking place in preparing cyber operators to support CAF and allies.

The ceremony closed by announcing the winners. To our joy and surprise, we placed third! We were so happy that our hard work had paid off.

I would definitely recommend Maple Defender to all cadets, even if not interested in cybersecurity. It teaches powerful and useful lessons, both in cyber awareness, and in skills like leadership, teamwork, collaboration, perseverance, and dedication. Regardless of prior experience, I encourage all to join the next cyber challenge.