In collaboration with Marist College Professors Brian Gormanly and Casimer DeCusatis, SENDHELP Studios, a team of 10 senior undergraduates comprising of 6 computer science and 5 cybersecurity students, was given the task of developing a cybersecurity training package disguised in the form of an immersive video game. In gamifying cybersecurity techniques into digestible and enjoyable content, we hope to utilize these interactive learning techniques as a way to:

 

• Increase engagement among students and individuals interested in cybersecurity.

• Increase retention and awareness of good cybersecurity practices.

• Prepare and practice for eventual jobs in the cybersecurity field.

 

Basing our core curriculum on Marist’s introduction to cybersecurity, mobile security, and hacking and penetration testing courses, ARI will deliver these units in the form of level-based escape rooms with pre-assessments and post-assessments between each level to gather data on the impact of the success of this approach. These scores will not be reflected in the player’s score, but rather an internal metric that will be used to improve the education aspects of the game. SENDHELP Studios has formulated an engaging storyline to help guide through the course content, ultimately teaching the players novice, proficient, and expert cybersecurity practice by the completion of the game.