Try to esCAPE from Cybersecurity Incidents! A Technology-Enhanced Educational Approach

• DOI: 10.1007/s10758-024-09769-8
• Publication Date: 2024-08-06T08:49:17Z
• Authors: Rūta Pirta-Dreimane; Agnė Brilingaitė; Evita Roponena; Karen Parish; Jānis Grabis; Ricardo Gregorio ...; Mārtiņš Bonders
• Keywords: 05 social sciences; 0503 education; crisis communication ; cybersecurity education ; escape room design ; incident management training ; incident response ; serious game ; team collaboration

Abstract Incorporating gamification elements and innovative approaches in training programs are promising for addressing cybersecurity knowledge gaps. Cybersecurity education should combine hard soft skill development when building the capacity to manage cyber incidents requiring timely communication, team collaboration, self-efficacy risk assessment incident mitigation. The paper presents a design evaluation of technology-enhanced approach CAPE which works as hybrid escape room. It combines virtualized infrastructure simulating business environment physical where game participants play role response at organization’s premises. could be applied student-centered educational environment. work employed multiple-methods research gamified investigate crisis self-regulation, technical competences management scenarios. science methodology empowered game’s construction with an attack surface covering digital security. undergraduate students participated pilot execution completed psychological questionnaires. results were analyzed using statistical methods. Results showed positive impact on student performance increased interest cybersecurity. designed promoted field-specific competence development. demonstrated significance aspects related management. Graphical abstract