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Discover six games that will provide valuable knowledge while turning learning about digital security into an enjoyable and rewarding adventure
November 14, 2023
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4 minutes. read
These days, knowing the digital world is not only a valuable asset: it is an essential skill in daily life. As the Internet permeates many aspects of our lives, cyber threats have also proliferated and continue to evolve, and the importance of knowing how to recognize them cannot be underestimated.
It’s true that traditional learning methods can seem complex and intimidating, especially to newcomers such as children and adolescents, who may be doubly threatened as they seek more independence online.
This is where gamification comes in. Educational games offer an interactive and hands-on approach to learning, making it engaging and accessible to both adults and a new generation of learners. It is not surprising that they have become an effective tool in education, and their the application to cybersecurity is no exception.
Why not have your children watch’Hi Carlin‘ on Safer children online? Hey Pug is an animated series from ESET that teaches kids about online safety and privacy in an engaging and entertaining way. Here are several games that will make learning about safety accessible and enjoyable – not just for children.
Here are several games that will make learning about safety accessible and enjoyable – not just for children.
On the string
On the string offers a series of free online wargames with different objectives and difficulty levels. Even people with no prior knowledge of cybersecurity can start with the introductory games and gradually develop their skills. Each game presents a unique storyline in which players must apply their knowledge to solve challenges and progress to higher levels. Many games follow the CTF format, where participants must capture the flag by solving challenges and completing exercises.
Popular games include Bandit, Narnia, and Natasha, each focusing on specific aspects of cybersecurity, such as vulnerability scanning, network traffic analysis, and password cracking. While the platform suggests an order in which to play games, participants can choose any game that piques their interest. The platform emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing participants to actively engage with security concepts. This approach is particularly useful in a field like cybersecurity, where real-world application of knowledge is crucial.
TryHackMe
TryHackMe is another free cybersecurity training platform that offers a variety of practical scenarios in the form of virtual labs. Users can explore simulated environments, including networks, servers, and systems, while working on missions that teach ethical hacking and troubleshooting skills.
The site offers step-by-step tutorials to guide users through realistic challenges, catering to people with basic and advanced skills. It offers structured learning paths and rooms focused on specific topics and providing a cohesive and interactive learning experience, allowing users to develop their knowledge step by step.
Space shelter
A joint effort involving consumer group Euroconsumers and Google led to the creation of Space shelter, an online game designed to educate consumers about security issues and promote responsible behavior online. The game turns learning into an adventure, with simple graphics, attractive design and high-quality sound.
Made up of five mini-games, SpaceShelter guides players to their final destination: the space shelter. Here, they can explore and understand the elements of a secure online account, from using a password manager to multi-character authentication.
Google Interland
Google Interland, part of Google’s Be Cool on the Internet initiative, is primarily aimed at children. The experience is divided into four adventures that introduce fundamental cybersecurity concepts in a simple and intuitive way.
Its main aim is to enable participants, especially young people, to avoid online pitfalls, recognize safe behaviors on social media platforms, manage passwords effectively, recognize bullies and predators and understand responsible data sharing. The game features different levels and challenges, requiring players to answer essential questions while providing hands-on opportunities to apply their new knowledge.
Potato Pirates: Enter the Spudnet
Enter The Spudnet immerses players in the world of cybersecurity and computer networks, helping them understand essential concepts, while obviously combining education and entertainment. An interesting feature is the formation of alliances, in which players can either betray their friends through cybercrime or join forces against robots to ensure everyone’s survival.
This platform offers a fun way to introduce and deepen the understanding of cybersecurity to everyone, whether they are familiar with the technology or not. It can be played competitively or cooperatively and is available through a paid subscription.
Cyberchallenge
Created by the US Department of Defense, Cyberchallenge invites players to help resolve cyber threats and understand the roles involved in a military team operating in a cyberwar setting.
Through an interactive and hands-on approach, Cyber Challenge offers players a way to learn while confronting ever-changing cyber threat scenarios. The scenarios closely mimic real-world threats and attacks, requiring participants to design strategies to effectively detect, mitigate and counter these threats. It also teaches participants the teamwork and coordination needed to defend against threats, promoting understanding of how different roles work together to protect sensitive data and infrastructure.
Play!
This is just a sample of engaging educational resources for anyone who wants to delve into cybersecurity through hands-on challenges and interactive gameplay. They provide a structured and engaging way to learn and master various aspects of cybersecurity, and foster a supportive community of learners. Game-based training and education will inspire you to adopt safe digital habits and perhaps even inspire you to consider pursue a career in security?