Dutch security service publishes annual Christmas puzzle challenge

The Dutch general intelligence and security service AIVD released its annual Christmas puzzle challenge on Friday. The challenge consists of a number of smaller puzzles, which can be solved independently of each other. Solutions can be submitted to the AIVD up until January 11th. "No mathematical or cryptography background is needed to solve most of the puzzles", the security service writes. "Creativity, puzzle abilities and perseverance are much more important for this." Every correct answer will get you points. The person with the most correct answers will win a trophy. Everyone who submitted at least one correct answer will be sent the solutions after January 11th. The puzzle is created by the AIVD's code division, National Communications Security Agency. The Christmas puzzle challenge is a longstanding tradition within the security service to "encourage systematic and logical thinking". The AIVD started posting the puzzle online in 2011. [scribd id=293216607 key=key-F0thzELCZR2QSIh0guK6 mode=scroll]