Speakers
Synopsis
The challenge of ensuring that individuals and organisations stay vigilant and informed is more important than ever. Traditional training methods, while sometimes valuable, often struggle to fully engage learners, leading to passive participation and low retention of information. Academic research consistently illustrates that as much as 50% of what people hear in traditional lectures is forgotten within 24 hours. In contrast, gamified education, training and awareness programs offer a dynamic, interactive, and immersive approach that significantly boosts engagement, comprehension, and long-term retention.Drawing on extensive firsthand knowledge and experience from the frontline of delivering gamified cybersecurity training programs, this presentation will highlight how gamified learning transforms cybersecurity education. With years of experience deploying hands-on, interactive training, the presenter has witnessed the remarkable difference these programs make in driving learner engagement and fostering a deeper understanding of cyber threats.Gamified learning taps into intrinsic motivators like competition, achievement, and rewards, making the training process more engaging and enjoyable. By simulating real-world cyber threats through interactive scenarios, learners are drawn into practical, hands-on exercises that mirror actual cybersecurity challenges. This method deepens understanding by allowing participants to experience complex concepts in a controlled environment, which enhances their ability to grasp and apply these concepts in real situations.Research consistently shows that active learning, where learners are participants rather than passive consumers of information, significantly improves knowledge retention. Gamified programs, through their interactive problem-solving and repetition of key concepts, ensure that information is retained more effectively over time. Additionally, many gamified programs incorporate collaboration, where teams work together to solve cybersecurity challenges. This fosters critical communication and teamwork skills, which are essential for effectively combating cyber threats.Another advantage of gamified learning is its ability to sustain motivation. Features such as leaderboards, badges, and progress tracking keep learners engaged and invested in their progress, encouraging them to continue interacting with the material long after the initial training session. This continuous feedback loop promotes ongoing learning and improvement, ensuring that cybersecurity awareness remains top of mind.Furthermore, the low-stakes, competitive environment of gamified learning creates a safe space for learners to experiment, make mistakes, and learn without fear of real-world consequences. This reduces the anxiety often associated with complex subjects like cybersecurity, ultimately leading to better performance and understanding.As cybersecurity threats become more complex, so too must the methods used to educate and build awareness. Gamified education training programs are proving to be an invaluable tool in this fight, as they foster active participation, enhance understanding, and significantly improve retention. By leveraging the principles of gamification, organisations can build a more cyber-aware and resilient workforce capable of tackling evolving cyber threats with confidence.This presentation is designed for cybersecurity professionals, educators, and organisations looking to elevate their training programs. With a wealth of practical experience from the frontline, the presenter will demonstrate how gamified learning strategies lead to more effective outcomes, creating stronger defences against today’s cyber threats.
