Students will compete to hack into a fake web application at the University of Worcester's next Hackathon event.

The event, organised by the university's Cyber Lab, will see students working in teams to break into the mock application, with a prize for the winners.

Each successful attack will earn teams a 'flag', and the team with the most flags at the end of the six-hour challenge will win the tournament.

The Hackathon, launched in March, was such a success that the university's Department of Computing has decided to make it a regular event.

This time around, the competition will be extended to include teams from other universities, schools, and colleges in the area.

Richard Wilkinson, head of the department, said: "These students normally spend their days learning how to defend a network, or design applications to withstand cyber-attacks, but this gives them the chance to see how the other side of it works."

He added: "We run the event in partnership with the British Computer Society, and some local businesses as well, who come and help out on the day, and it’s a way to help students learn what hackers will use or exploit as vulnerabilities in a network which make things insecure."

The university's Cyber Lab, launched last September alongside its Cyber Security degree, provides a closed network for students to learn about cybersecurity in a controlled environment.

Prizes for the winning teams are provided by the Hereford and Worcester branch of the British Computer Society.

Branch chairman David Workman said: "We are delighted to continue our support for this competitive event.

"It gives students an opportunity to practice and develop their skills, preparing them for the real world of employment in cyber security."

The event is also supported by Malvern-based cybersecurity firm IASME, which will provide a server containing all the activities and challenges.

Jessica Burden from IASME said: "Events like these are crucial for fostering the next generation of cyber security professionals.

"This inclusivity not only inspires participation but also encourages a diverse range of creative approaches to problem solving, which is essential in the ever-evolving field of cyber security."