Main Motivation and First Impressions 

A couple of participants explained that their initial motivation came from previous exposure to programming and technology. “I had already had some experience with cybersecurity and programming, so when I saw this program, it felt it was the perfect opportunity to keep learning,” said Katherin Dayana Camacho. 

Other pointed to robotics as their starting point. “I’ve been involved in robotics competitions for a long time, and when I came across CyberWizards, I saw it not only as a way to explore cybersecurity in greater depth, but also to do it in Estonia, one of the leading countries in this field,” explained Daniela Camargo. 

What motivated them most was not only the technical content but also the unique setting of the camp. Estonia, a global leader in digital innovation, became the perfect backdrop. It gave participants the chance to strengthen their knowledge of cybersecurity while experiencing life in another country, meeting girls from different cultures, and broadening their worldview. 

Learning Experience 

The participants unanimously described the program as both enriching and transformative. They praised the balance between theory and practice, highlighting that the lessons were not limited to technical concepts but could be applied to their everyday lives. “I took away so much knowledge, not just theoretical, but also things I can use in my daily life. It really made us realize how important it is to be aware of the information we share and where we put it,” reflected Janna Ramos. 

Expectations were high, but the program delivered. “We all came in with very high expectations and they were fully met,” added Katherin Dayana. 

Another highlight of the camp the multicultural environment. Living, studying, and sharing with peers from across the world pushed them to practice English on a daily basis. This daily practice became more than a language exercise, it strengthened their confidence, fostered collaboration, and helped them learn to express complex ideas clearly. The girls noted that navigating group projects, workshops and informal interactions in a second language pushed them to think creatively, work as a team and adapt to different perspectives.  

New Discoveries in Cybersecurity 

One of the biggest takeaways for the participants was discovering just how broad, practical and impactful cybersecurity can be in everyday life. “We learned really useful things, like testing the strength of our passwords on platforms such as Gmail and understanding how secure they really are,” explained Yaizara Aurora. Activities like these helped them see the importance of creating strong passwords and protecting personal information, lessons that extend far beyond the classroom. 

Hands-on activities also left a mark. “We even worked with websites to simulate platforms like Windows, which showed us how vulnerabilities can be exploited,” said Daniela Camargo. Moreover, all of them particularly highlight a session in which, they could determine from a simple image where it was taken and with what type of device, which allowed them to understand how digital information can reveal many details without user realising it. 

Through these activities, participants came to understand that cybersecurity is far more than an abstract or technical discipline, it is deeply connected to daily life. From protecting personal data and passwords to understanding how devices interact online, the camp illustrated that digital security touches every aspect of modern life. They also noted that learning these skills early not only made them more aware of online risks, but also inspired them to continue exploring.  

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery 

The cultural exchange and teamwork were just as important as the technical learning. “After the camp, the cultural exchange, living in a new environment and speaking English all the time, I honestly feel like I came back as a different person,” shared Janna Ramos visibly moved. 

This sentiment resonated with others as well. “Speaking English all the time was a challenge, but it became a huge motivation. Since I returned, I’ve decided to keep practicing it regularly,” added Daniela Camargo. 

Participants also highlighted how the experience helped them discover inner strengths such as resilience, creativity and the ability to work effectively in teams. They recognized that succeeding in cybersecurity is not only about technical expertise, but also about interpersonal skills, leadership, and adaptability.  

Surprises and Unexpected Lessons 

The program also surprised them with the scope of technology and its implications for everyday life. “One of the most exciting moments was learning how to identify Wi-Fi passwords and see which devices were connected, and then practicing these skills in real exercises,” said Saret Medina. 

Others were equally struck by the advanced tools they got to handle. Among the most memorable was the Flipper Zero. “We even got to see the Flipper Zero, a device that can store credit card data or car keys and then actually unlock a car. I was like: wow, how far can technology really go?” recalled Janna Ramos with a mix of excitement and concern.  

These surprising moments highlighted not only the immense possibilities of cybersecurity but also the responsibility that inevitably comes with such knowledge. Participants reflected on how easy it is for technology to be misused, and how crucial it is for professionals in the field to act with ethics and integrity.  

CyberWizards in Three Words 

When asked to summarize the experience in just three words, the participants converged on the same trio: innovative, motivating and fun. 

They described the program as innovative because it introduced them to cybersecurity in ways they had never imagined before. The creative mix of theory, hands-on exercises, and real-world applications gave them a new perspective on how technology works, where its vulnerabilities lie, and how they themselves can play a role in strengthening security. For some, it was their very first exposure to hacking labs, forensic analysis or ethical hacking tools, which transformed what might have seemed intimidating into something approachable and exciting. 

At the same time, it was deeply motivating. Beyond the technical content, the camp instilled a sense of confidence and belonging. The participants felt encouraged to keep learning, to explore areas of cybersecurity they hadn’t considered before and to see themselves as capable of contributing to a field often perceived as inaccessible.  

Finally, the word ‘fun’ perfectly captured the engaging atmosphere of the camp. The friendships built, the cultural exchange between girls from different countries, and the daily teamwork gave the camp a unique energy. The participants laughed, shared stories, and supported one another, turning challenges into opportunities for connection. What could have been just a technical bootcamp became instead an unforgettable adventure where they grew not only as future professionals but also as people. 

In the end, these three words: Innovative, Motivating, and Fun, perfectly encapsulated the spirit of CyberWizards, a program that broadened horizons, built skills, and left every participant with memories and lessons they will carry far into the future. 

Background 

CyberWizards camp, organised since 2023 is aimed at girls aged 13 to 16 who take interest in challenges and demonstrate will for learning about technology and cybersecurity. The 2025 edition welcomed 87 participants from 10 different countries: Panama, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Poland, France, Czechia, Ukraine, Hungary and the USA. 

Participants from Panama were chosen in cooperation with the National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation of the Republic of Panama (SENACYT). The international cybersecurity camp CyberWizards 2025 was organised by the Estonian Information System Authority and has received funding from the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC) under the Digital Europe Proramme.