Cryptography

France DGSE: Spy service sets school code-breaking challenge

France's external intelligence service, the DGSE, has sponsored a school competition to find the nation's most talented young code-breakers.

It is the first time the DGSE has got involved in such a project in schools.

The first round drew in 17,000 pupils, and just 38 competed in the final on Wednesday, won by a Parisian team.

A DGSE spokesman said the aim was to spread awareness about intelligence work. Security is a major concern after last year's jihadist attacks in Paris.

DGSE stands for Directorate-General for External Security.

Part of the DGSE's work involves spying on Islamist groups. In November jihadistbombings and shootings in Paris, claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group, killed 130 people.