Northern Kentucky University
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Cybersecurity
Minor
Computer Science
Institution 23-24
Northern Kentucky University
KY House District #
100
KY Senate District #
18
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Ankur Chattopadhyay, PhD.
Department
School of Computing and Analytics
Abstract
CRACK-ERS (Crack Riddles Applying Cybersecurity Knowledge - Escape Room Scenario) is a unique, beginner's level CTF game with riddle-based challenges on various cybersecurity topics. The game is driven by an adventure story-based escape room format. Existing literature indicates that traditional CTFs pose challenges for beginners with no cybersecurity background. The novelty of CRACK-ERS lies in its non-traditional design as an unplugged CTF with an adventure scenario-driven script, encouraging participants to solve cybersecurity-related riddles. CRACK-ERS targets beginner-level learners, fostering teamwork, explorative research, cybersecurity problem-solving, and riddle-cracking skills. Prior cybersecurity educational research notes limited instances of escape room-style CTF games and fewer riddle-based story-driven CTF scripts for beginners. To our knowledge, CRACK-ERS is the first hybrid model CTF that combines escape room style, riddle-based, and story-driven elements for beginners. Since 2020, we have employed the legacy version of the game in high school outreach workshops, remote cybersecurity sessions, summer camps, and distance learning events, aiming to introduce CTFs and basic cybersecurity concepts in a user-friendly, competitive way. Our research includes a participant assessment study analyzing quantitative and qualitative data collected through survey responses from high school community members who played the game. Results indicate our unique approach successfully engaged both students and teachers, fostering a positive learning experience, user awareness, and overall interest in cybersecurity topics. Limited prior work focuses on studying how such a uniquely designed CTF impacts beginner-level participants from high schools virtually. We aim to address this research gap.
Included in
CRACK-ERS (Crack Riddles Applying Cybersecurity Knowledge - Escape Room Scenario)
CRACK-ERS (Crack Riddles Applying Cybersecurity Knowledge - Escape Room Scenario) is a unique, beginner's level CTF game with riddle-based challenges on various cybersecurity topics. The game is driven by an adventure story-based escape room format. Existing literature indicates that traditional CTFs pose challenges for beginners with no cybersecurity background. The novelty of CRACK-ERS lies in its non-traditional design as an unplugged CTF with an adventure scenario-driven script, encouraging participants to solve cybersecurity-related riddles. CRACK-ERS targets beginner-level learners, fostering teamwork, explorative research, cybersecurity problem-solving, and riddle-cracking skills. Prior cybersecurity educational research notes limited instances of escape room-style CTF games and fewer riddle-based story-driven CTF scripts for beginners. To our knowledge, CRACK-ERS is the first hybrid model CTF that combines escape room style, riddle-based, and story-driven elements for beginners. Since 2020, we have employed the legacy version of the game in high school outreach workshops, remote cybersecurity sessions, summer camps, and distance learning events, aiming to introduce CTFs and basic cybersecurity concepts in a user-friendly, competitive way. Our research includes a participant assessment study analyzing quantitative and qualitative data collected through survey responses from high school community members who played the game. Results indicate our unique approach successfully engaged both students and teachers, fostering a positive learning experience, user awareness, and overall interest in cybersecurity topics. Limited prior work focuses on studying how such a uniquely designed CTF impacts beginner-level participants from high schools virtually. We aim to address this research gap.