Gamified Cyber Security for Training: TOP 5 Best Examples to Watch in 2024

Gamified cyber security is revolutionizing how organizations approach training and awareness in an increasingly complex digital landscape. In this article, we explore the TOP 8 providers to consider in 2024 that can help you implement effective gamified solutions.

Additionally, we outline 6 easy steps to create gamified cybersecurity training and showcase 5 of the best examples of gamified cybersecurity that illustrate how these innovative approaches can enhance learning and retention.

5 Key Benefits of Gamified Cyber Security Training

The knowledge retention rate for employees with traditional learning and development methods is only about 5%. However, with experiential learning, retention can be as high as 90%. Through hands-on learning formats such as gamification, participants are more likely to remember skills and be able to put them to use.

5 Best Examples of Gamified Cyber Security (2024 UPDATED)

Incorporating gamified elements into cybersecurity training is an effective way to prepare teams for real-world cyber threats. These examples showcase innovative approaches that make learning about cybersecurity engaging and memorable.

1. Game of Threats

Developed by PwC, Game of Threats is a powerful simulation designed for executives to enhance their decision-making skills in cybersecurity scenarios. Players face simulated cyberattacks and must make quick decisions with limited information, receiving rewards for good choices and penalties for poor ones. This immersive experience serves as an impactful form of security awareness training, helping participants understand the importance of cybersecurity measures in real-world contexts.

2. Space Shelter

Space Shelter is an online game created in collaboration with Euroconsumers and Google. It consists of five mini-games that guide players through various aspects of cybersecurity awareness, such as using password managers and understanding multi-factor authentication. The game transforms learning into an adventure, making it engaging and educational for users, and reinforces the essentials of cybersecurity training.

3. Google Interland

Part of Google’s initiative to promote online safety, Google Interland is aimed at children and features four interactive adventures that teach fundamental cybersecurity concepts. Through fun challenges, players learn about safe online behavior, password management, and recognizing online dangers. This tool is especially valuable for cybersecurity awareness, introducing young users to essential online safety skills in a way that reinforces their knowledge.

4. ThreatGEN Red vs. Blue

ThreatGEN Red vs. Blue is a strategy-based cybersecurity game where players take on the roles of either attackers or defenders in realistic cybersecurity scenarios. This game offers hands-on cybersecurity training that allows players to develop offensive and defensive strategies, identify vulnerabilities, and better understand how to protect against cyber threats, boosting cyber awareness in the process.

5. CyberEscape Online

CyberEscape Online by Immersive Labs is a great example of incorporating interactive elements into cybersecurity training that foster a deeper understanding of cybersecurity concepts. Designed as a virtual escape room, CyberEscape Online engages participants in problem-solving and team collaboration as they navigate simulated cyber threats. 

This hands-on approach helps learners retain information better, enhances problem-solving skills, and reinforces essential cybersecurity practices like phishing detection and password security in a memorable way. Additionally, interactive elements promote teamwork and communication, key components in building a unified, security-aware culture across the organization.

To design tailored, gamified training solutions with impactful interactive elements, F.Learning Studio offers expert guidance and customization to match your corporate training needs.

6 Easy Steps to Create Gamified Cybersecurity Training That Engages Employees in 2024

Creating an engaging gamified cybersecurity training program requires a balance of fun, challenge, and educational value. Follow these 6 easy steps to ensure your training program not only captivates employees but also effectively builds their cybersecurity awareness.

Step 1: Set Clear Learning Objectives

Start by identifying the specific cybersecurity skills you want employees to acquire, ensuring that these objectives are measurable and relevant. Focus on essential areas like threat recognition, secure password practices, and incident response protocols. 

Align every element of your gamified training with these goals, from the storylines to the challenges, to create a cohesive learning experience. This clarity ensures that employees know what is expected and can track their progress throughout the training.

Quick Tip: Use a pre-training survey to gauge employees’ knowledge levels and tailor objectives to bridge identified skill gaps.

Step 2: Know Your Audience

It’s crucial to tailor your training content to the diverse experience levels and roles of your employees. Technical staff may need more advanced topics, while non-technical employees may benefit from foundational concepts like identifying phishing emails.

Customizing the content helps ensure its relevance, making it more engaging and applicable to the real-world scenarios employees face. This personal approach boosts participation, as employees are more likely to stay engaged when the content resonates with their roles.

Quick Tip: Segment your audience by role or skill level to make interactive training modules feel more personalized and engaging.

Step 3: Develop Realistic Scenarios

Design immersive, story-driven scenarios that mimic actual cyber threats employees might encounter. For example, simulate a phishing attack where employees must identify suspicious emails or train them to recognize social engineering tactics in a phone conversation. 

These real-world scenarios not only enhance engagement but also help employees build practical skills they can apply in their daily work. By using realistic threats, you bridge the gap between theory and real-life application, making the training more effective.

Quick Tip: Add branching scenarios where employees’ choices impact the outcome, making learning both interactive and meaningful.

Step 4: Add Game Mechanics

Incorporate traditional game mechanics like points, levels, badges, and leaderboards to enhance motivation and engagement. Award points for correct decisions and achievements, and offer badges as employees reach new milestones. 

Levels help track progress and reward users for mastering different topics, while leaderboards foster healthy competition, encouraging employees to outperform one another. These game elements transform the training process, turning cybersecurity education into a fun and rewarding challenge that keeps employees engaged.

Quick Tip: Set up weekly or monthly challenges with special rewards to keep employees motivated to improve continuously.

Step 5: Provide Instant Feedback

When employees make correct choices, explain why they were successful and how it strengthens their cybersecurity practices. If they make mistakes, provide constructive feedback on what went wrong and offer guidance for improvement. This real-time feedback helps reinforce key concepts, corrects misunderstandings, and ensures that employees are continuously learning and improving their cybersecurity skills.

Quick Tip: Use interactive quizzes with explanations to let employees instantly see where they can improve, encouraging ongoing learning.

Step 6: Regularly Update Content

The cyber threat landscape is constantly changing, so it’s essential to keep your training content up-to-date. Regularly refresh the scenarios, challenges, and learning modules to reflect new and emerging threats like advanced malware or evolving phishing tactics. 

By continuously updating the training, you ensure that employees remain prepared for the latest security risks. Keeping the content current also maintains engagement, as employees will appreciate learning about the most relevant and pressing cyber threats.

Quick Tip: Schedule regular quarterly updates to the training program to introduce the latest threats and security practices.

TOP 8 Gamified Cyber Security Training Provider that You Should Know 

Here’s a look at the top 8 gamified cybersecurity providers that you should know. Each provider offers a unique approach to teaching cybersecurity skills through games and simulations that foster better knowledge retention and encourage active participation.

Provider	Description	Key Features	Best For
F.Learning Studio	Offers tailored gamification solutions that focus on adding interactive elements without the need to build entire games. Expertise in interactive learning, along with dedicated support and collaboration	Customizable training modules, interactive scenarios, visual storytelling	Organizations seeking tailored training
Guardey	Offers a cybersecurity platform focused on gamified learning modules for SMEs, aiming to make cybersecurity training accessible and practical.	SME-focused, simple onboarding, real-world scenarios	Small and medium-sized businesses
Counterintelligence Trivia Twirl	A trivia-based cybersecurity game designed to test and reinforce knowledge on various cybersecurity topics in a fun way.	Trivia questions, customizable difficulty, competitive scoring	Companies wanting quiz-style learning
Circadence InCyt	Offers an engaging, game-based training experience that covers various cybersecurity fundamentals	Interactive games, real-time feedback, risk assessment, microlearning modules	Teams wanting modular training for ongoing skill-building
Kaspersky Interactive Protection Simulation	A highly immersive, scenario-based training tool from Kaspersky that gamifies cybersecurity awareness by simulating real-world cyber threats.	Realistic scenarios, risk management challenges, detailed reporting on user performance.	Organizations seeking comprehensive, hands-on threat simulations
Deepspace Danger	A space-themed game where players protect their “ship” from cyber threats, making it an engaging format for understanding defensive strategies.	Space adventure theme, threat identification, defensive skills	Sci-fi fans, individual learners
Targeted Attack: The Game	Simulates targeted cyberattacks where players learn to recognize and counter-attacks, teaching them real-world defense skills in an immersive way.	Real-world attack simulations, role-playing elements, practical skills application	Advanced learners, IT security professionals
KnowBe4	A leading security awareness training platform with gamification options	Phishing tests, gamified quizzes, real-time reporting, compliance tracking, large content library	Companies looking to create a culture of proactive cybersecurity

Partner with F.Learning Studio for Exceptional Gamified Cybersecurity Training

1. Expertise in Gamification Design

F.Learning Studio brings a wealth of experience in gamification, particularly in designing interactive elements tailored to the needs of corporate training. We specialize in adding engaging components, like scenario-based challenges, point systems, and instant feedback features that make cybersecurity training compelling and relatable. 

Our expertise lies in leveraging these gamified aspects to enhance skill-building and retention, all while keeping costs manageable and focusing on practicality.

2. Customized Interactive Solutions

Our team understands that every organization’s cybersecurity needs are unique, so we work closely with clients to develop interactive solutions tailored to their specific goals. Instead of building new games, we focus on customizing elements that seamlessly integrate into your existing training structure. 

From interactive simulations of phishing scenarios to role-play exercises in secure data handling, we create meaningful experiences that align with your cybersecurity objectives and employee roles, ensuring high relevance and engagement.

3. Continuous Support and Collaboration

Choosing F.Learning Studio as your partner provides you with a dedicated team committed to the ongoing success of your training program. From the initial design to regular updates, we offer continuous support with a streamlined process to keep interactive elements fresh and effective. 

Our team collaborates closely with clients, incorporating feedback and making adjustments to ensure the training remains aligned with evolving company goals. This approach helps organizations maintain a dynamic, gamified learning environment that adapts over time, sustaining employee engagement and supporting long-term business objectives.

Conclusion

Gamified cyber security training is a powerful way to enhance employee engagement, build essential skills, and reinforce security awareness. By incorporating interactive elements, such as real-world scenarios, instant feedback, and rewards, gamified training creates an immersive learning experience that prepares employees to recognize and respond to cyber threats effectively.

Partnering with F.Learning Studio can bring this engaging, impactful approach to your organization. With our expertise in gamification design, customized solutions, and commitment to ongoing support, we help you craft a training program that adapts to evolving security needs while keeping employees motivated and informed. 

Get in touch with F.Learning Studio today to transform your cybersecurity training with tailored, interactive solutions that promote a culture of vigilance and readiness.

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