Gamified cybersecurity training remains a powerful tool to engage employees and reinforce crucial security practices. With evolving threats and technologies, keeping training methods current is vital. Here are 7 updated strategies for 2024:
1. Interactive Videos
Develop short, entertaining training videos that depict real-life cybersecurity scenarios. Interactive elements, such as choosing different outcomes based on decisions, can help employees understand the impact of their actions on cybersecurity. Platforms like AwareGO provide curated, bite-sized cybersecurity awareness videos to keep employees engaged.
2. Cybersecurity Simulations
Create a simulated environment where employees can practice handling cybersecurity threats, such as phishing attacks or malware infections. Tools like AwareGO’s Human Risk Assessment, offer real-life scenarios in a safe, blame-free environment to test and improve employees’ cybersecurity practices.
3. Reward System
Implement a rewards system for completing cybersecurity training modules or demonstrating good security practices. Rewards can include digital badges, certificates, or even tangible prizes. AwareGO offers certificates of completion for employees who finish their cybersecurity awareness training.
4. Scavenger Hunts
Design scavenger hunts that require employees to identify and solve cybersecurity challenges within the workplace or online environment. This can encourage collaboration and enhance problem-solving skills while making learning fun.
5. Cybersecurity Trivia
Host cybersecurity trivia games to test employees’ knowledge of security practices and policies. These can be conducted through online quizzes or in-person competitions. AwareGO’s cybersecurity training integrates short quizzes within their modules to maintain engagement.
6. Role-Playing Exercises
Create role-playing exercises that simulate real-world cybersecurity scenarios. These exercises can help employees understand the importance of security policies and practice their responses to various threats.
7. Leaderboards
Establish leaderboards to track progress and foster healthy competition among employees or departments. This can motivate employees to complete their cybersecurity training and continuously improve their security practices. AwareGO provides dashboards for training administrators to track progress, completion, and success rates.
Best Practices for Gamified Cybersecurity Training in 2024
While gamified training can be an effective and enjoyable way to engage employees, there are important considerations to ensure its success:
Tailor the training to your audience:
Consider the demographics, experience, and skill levels of your employees when designing cybersecurity training games. What works for tech-savvy developers might not suit non-technical administrative staff. AwareGO’s Human Risk Assessment can help establish a baseline skill level among employees.
Keep it relevant: ocus training games on real-world cybersecurity risks pertinent to your business. Employees are more likely to engage with training that feels relevant to their daily tasks. AwareGO’s cybersecurity training program allows customization of training content for specific departments based on threat assessments.
Mix it up: Use a variety of games and activities to maintain engagement. For instance, combine interactive videos one week with a trivia game the next. AwareGO’s interactive videos allow users to choose their own paths, enhancing engagement.
Make it accessible: Ensure that all employees can access the training materials. AwareGO’s program enables scheduling lessons over weeks, with notifications and training modules sent via email, Slack or Teams. The training is designed for mobile devices, allowing employees to complete it on their smartphones during commutes.
Test the effectiveness: Regularly assess the training’s impact through quizzes or assessments. This will help measure the training’s effectiveness on employee behavior and identify areas for improvement.
Gamified cybersecurity training can significantly enhance employee engagement and improve security practices. By tailoring the training to your audience, keeping it relevant, accessible, and varied, businesses can make cybersecurity training both fun and effective.
Remember, gamified cybersecurity training should be part of a comprehensive security program. Training should be integrated with other security practices to maximize its effectiveness. By incorporating engaging video training content, businesses can help employees retain knowledge and decrease human risk factors.