Secure Arcade: A Gamified Defense Against Cyber Attacks

Abstract

In modernity, we continually receive increasingly intricate technologies that allow us to increase our lives’ convenience and efficiency. Our technology, particularly technology available over the internet, is advancing at unprecedented speed. However, this speed of advancement allows those behind malicious attacks to have an increasingly easier time taking advantage of those who know little about computer security. Unfortunately, education in the computer security field is generally limited only to tertiary education. This research addresses this problem through a gamified web-based application that drives users to reach learning goals to help them become more vigilant internet users: 1. Learn and memorize general computer security terminology, 2. Become familiar with basic cryptography concepts, 3. Learn to recognize potential phishing scams via email quickly, and 4. Learn common attacks on servers and how to deal with them.