GAMIFYING CYBERSECURITY: A STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A SPECIFIC GAMIFIED TOOL
Giuseppe Trombino · Education and new developments · 2023
Secure software development refers to the practice of creating software applications and systems with a focus on security.Traditional approaches to teaching secure software development often involve classroom lectures and laboratory assignments that roughly simulate real-world scenarios.However, such approaches may not always be engaging or effective for students, who may struggle to connect the abstract concepts of secure software development to practical, real-world applications.Gamified learning refers to the integration of game elements and mechanics into the learning process to enhance engagement, motivation, and retention of knowledge or skill and can offer students a more interactive and immersive learning experience.In this study, we explored the use of Hack The Box (HTB), a gamified platform for learning cybersecurity, as a tool for teaching secure software development to undergraduate students in a software engineering program.Students were given access to the platform and asked to complete a set of challenges designed to reinforce key concepts, such as secure coding practices, vulnerability assessment, and incident response.Students were also asked to complete a set of questionnaires to gather data on their attitudes towards the traditional laboratory approach versus the gamified approach using HTB.The results of the study indicate that the use of gamified platforms such as HTB can be an effective tool for teaching secure software development.Students reported feeling more engaged and confident in their ability to apply secure software development practices after using the platform.They also found the platform to be more engaging and challenging than the traditional laboratory approach.Moreover, students who reported finding the traditional laboratory approach to be challenging or unengaging found HTB to be a valuable and effective alternative.The use of gamified platforms also has several other potential benefits.For example, it can provide students with immediate feedback on their progress and performance, which can help to motivate them and encourage them to persist through challenging problems.Additionally, gamified platforms can provide a more accessible and inclusive learning experience by accommodating different learning styles and levels of expertise.For instance, students who may not have prior experience with secure software development can benefit from the more interactive and hands-on approach provided by the platform.However, challenges such as the difficulty level of some challenges and the need for additional support materials need to be addressed to maximize its effectiveness.Overall, this study suggests that gamified platforms like Hack The Box can be a valuable tool for teaching secure software development to undergraduate students.Future research could explore the use of other gamified platforms and tools, and examine the potential benefits and challenges associated with their implementation.