re_B00TCMP Perth brought together 40 talented high school students and 26 mentors at ECU Joondalup campus.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) has partnered with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to host re_BOOTCMP – a dynamic cyber program designed to educate teenagers about the crucial online boundaries separating cyber champions from cyber criminals.
re_B00TCMP Perth brought together 40 highly talented high school students and 26 mentors for an intensive, one‑day experience held in cutting-edge cyber security facilities at ECU's Joondalup campus.
Developed and led by the AFP in collaboration with law enforcement, industry, education, and government partners, re_B00TCMP is a proactive, youth‑focused cyber program designed to engage, educate and empower cyber‑curious young people with strong technical aptitude.
First piloted by the Dutch National Police in 2021, re_B00TCMP has since been delivered by the AFP across Sydney (2024), Hobart and Adelaide (2025), and now Perth – which hosted the largest cohort of students and mentors yet.
The program supports students to positively channel their skills into future careers in cybersecurity and related fields, while learning about digital boundaries, ethics, and tech responsibility.
Talented high school students take part in re_BOOTCMP in a Western Australian first.
Paul Haskell-Dowland, Professor of Cyber Security Practice and Associate Dean (International and Strategic Partnerships) at ECU, said the initiative provided a great opportunity to connect with an exciting industry and to inspire minds for a future cyber workforce.
"ECU is delighted to partner with the AFP to offer re_BOOTCMP - an opportunity for talented, cyber-curious young people to explore their technical capabilities in a safe and supported environment," Professor Haskell-Dowland said.
"ECU is a leader in cyber security education and research and is pleased to support this initiative and to showcase our world-leading capabilities here in WA."
The Perth event featured a hands‑on tabletop cyber exercise delivered by Retrospect Labs and KineticIT, alongside mentor presentations from industry, academia, and law enforcement.
Students engaged in meaningful discussions about career pathways, gaining real‑world insight into how cyber skills translate into impactful careers.
Running alongside the student program was a dedicated session for parents, carers, and educators, focused on understanding and fostering informed conversations about digital behaviour, and learning how to positively support emerging cyber talent.
Alongside the student program was a dedicated session for parents, carers, and teachers.
Karina Price, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator for ECU Computing and Security Sciences, said there is a critical demand for individuals with cyber security and computing skills in today's digital world.
"I have the privilege of encountering many incredibly talented young individuals who have explored and developed their digital skills. However, they are not always confident about where the lines between responsible and irresponsible application of these skills lie," Ms Price said.
"Collaborating on re_BOOTCMP has been an impactful way to create a positive environment for these young people to hone their cyber skills and to work with mentors to put their talents towards positive future pursuits."
re_B00TCMP challenges common misconceptions about hacking by demonstrating that cyber skills, when guided by the right knowledge and within digital boundaries, can lead to positive and meaningful careers across the cybersecurity industry — truly flipping the script on hacking.
The program supports students to positively channel their skills into future careers in cybersecurity.
