A serious game to promote information security awareness by utilising simulated experiences among the youth

Abstract

Information security has emerged as a critical concern, particularly for the youth who are immersed in technology from a young age. The increasing prevalence of cyber threats and the need for effective awareness of information security among the youth have highlighted the limitations of traditional training methods. However, there is a pressing need to rethink the approach to information security education and awareness, moving beyond passive learning to more interactive and immersive experiences. The aim of this research is to develop and implement a serious game called "Cyber Cadet: Threat Defender" using simulated experiences to promote information security awareness. The Design Science Research Process was used to guide the development of the game. The study provides a comprehensive background on the current landscape of information security education, the identified challenges, and the potential benefits of adopting a serious game-based approach. A scoping literature review on information security awareness among the youth was performed. The results showed that serious games have the potential to provide hands-on training, improve security awareness, and foster the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills. The game was tested and evaluated by parents, teachers, and industry experts in order to provide feedback on the effectiveness of the game to promote cyber security awareness among the youth