Little is as it first appears in Hacktivate, an app that invites you to use actual hacking techniques to uncover the information encrypted inside hundreds of devious puzzles. Do you have the skills you need to crack the code?

What we love: There’s a satisfying, real-world vibe to the hundreds of levels in Hacktivate. The app has the green-screen interface you’ll recognise from many a tech-themed movie, while lots of the levels themselves (set in locations around the world) require some serious brainpower to solve. Luckily, there are extensive tutorials to get you started, and you can call on helpful hints as you go.

Quick tip: There’s a lot of information to take in when you’re exploring the app, so don’t be afraid to go old school and take notes – whether with a pen and paper or the built-in Scratchpad.

Meet the creator: Paul Hudson, of Hudson Heavy Industries, originally created Hacktivate as a browser-based app for schools. He was inspired by his daughter’s desire to take part in a national cyber security challenge. This iOS incarnation features more challenges and tutorials.