Next month is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. And in today’s digital age, cybersecurity awareness is more crucial than ever. With the increasing number of cyber threats, it’s essential for individuals and organizations to stay vigilant and informed. One innovative and effective way to achieve this is by using gameplay. Numerous studies in recent years have revealed that gamified training, when done correctly, can significantly improve employee performance.

So here are some of the reasons why incorporating games into cybersecurity training can be a game-changer (no pun intended), and some suggestions on where you can find them.

Engagement and Motivation

Traditional training methods can often be dry and, well, sometimes boring. Games, on the other hand, are inherently interactive and fun. They capture the learner’s attention and keep them motivated to progress through levels and challenges. This heightened engagement leads to better retention of information and a more enjoyable learning experience.

Hands-On Learning

Games provide a hands-on approach to learning, allowing players to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. This experiential learning helps reinforce concepts and skills, making them more memorable.

Immediate Feedback

One of the key advantages of games is the immediate feedback they provide. Players can see the consequences of their actions right away, which helps them understand what works and what doesn’t. This instant feedback loop is crucial for learning complex cybersecurity concepts and improving problem-solving skills.

Safe Environment for Experimentation

Games offer a risk-free environment where learners can experiment with different strategies and solutions without fear of real-world repercussions. This freedom to explore and make mistakes is essential for developing a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles and building confidence in one’s abilities.

Collaboration and Competition

Many cybersecurity games incorporate elements of collaboration and competition, encouraging players to work together or compete against each other. This social aspect not only makes learning more enjoyable but also fosters teamwork and communication skills, which are vital in the field of cybersecurity.

Real-World Relevance

Cybersecurity games often mirror real-world scenarios, making the learning experience highly relevant and applicable. By tackling challenges that mimic actual cyber threats, players can better understand the tactics and techniques used by cybercriminals and learn how to defend against them effectively.

Game On!

Here are some places you can find cybersecurity training games (one is even free!), and how you can even lend a creative hand to your organization’s training adventure.

Cyber Awareness Challenge

Designed by the United States Department of Defense, this free online game tasks you with preventing cybersecurity incidents that could impact the future.

Go with the Pros

Consider using an expert service to provide your staff with training games. KnowBe4 provides full training services that include games;  Guardey is an online subscription platform that puts numerous cybersecurity awareness games at your fingertips.

DIY

Security awareness offers the perfect scenarios to create your own role-playing games.  For example, have some team members act as cybercriminals and come up with ways to try to scam the other team. Then have them switch sides to learn about the different aspects of how phishing messages are crafted, as well as how to spot the signs.  Or make up a cybersecurity trivia game, with points awarded for correct answers and a prize for the winner. (This would be an easy one to play over Zoom or Teams!)  Or how about having teams work together on a “Create a Cybersecurity PSA Contest”.  Each team could be assigned some aspect of security (passwords, phishing, office place security issues, etc.), and then the Team with the best/most educational PSA (as determined by the IT staff) wins an award. Just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing…

To wrap things up, just remember that incorporating games into cybersecurity training is a proven, powerful way to enhance learning and awareness. By making the process fun, interactive, and practical, games can help your organization stay ahead of cyber threats and build a more secure digital future. So, why not level up your cybersecurity training with some game-based learning today?