Conceptual Framework for Developing Cyber Security Serious Games

Cyber security education is an emerging field facing many challenges, while demand in skilled cyber security personnel is rising. Serious games and game-based learning approaches constitute a promising opportunity for learning and training in cyber security. However, as game-based learning is a new field, cyber security game-based approaches lack common methodologies and design standards that will provide useful interpretations of the possibilities of such approaches. In this light, we present the Conceptual Framework for e-Learning and Training (COFELET), a framework for the design and implementation of cyber security serious games. The COFELET framework promotes game-based approaches that envisage the improvement of cyber security education pedagogical effectiveness by embracing modern learning theories and innovative teaching approaches. Moreover, the COFELET framework foresees the implementation of a sustainable lifecycle of learning, updating and reinforcing knowledge and skills by adopting multidisciplinary approaches based on sound cyber security methodologies, models and strategies. The COFELET framework realizes cyber security as an attractive and accessible subject endorsing game-based learning and serious games, cyber world simulations, and hacking activities.