E-learning content | 2023
G DATA CyberDefense AG
Founded in 1987, G DATA CyberDefense AG has established itself as one of the pioneers in the field of IT security solutions. With the clear goal of protecting companies and private users from cybercrime, the German company develops innovative software that sets the highest security standards worldwide. Its expertise and commitment to cyber security are reflected in the Cyber Defense Academy, which sets new standards in the field of security awareness training with serious games, among other things.
The initial situation
Ransomware: The ubiquitous threat
At a time when digital threats such as ransomware have become an omnipresent danger, companies and their employees are on the front line of an invisible battle. The numbers speak for themselves: according to the FBI, the number of phishing attacks has increased by more than 1,560% in the last five years. For German companies, this resulted in a loss of 24.3 billion euros in 2021 - a sum that underlines the urgency of effective defensive measures.
The challenge facing G DATA CyberDefense was huge. In view of the rapid increase in cybercrime and the increasingly sophisticated methods used by attackers, a solution had to be found that not only raised awareness but also imparted practical knowledge. The aim was to develop a training concept that makes the complexity of the topic tangible and that not only informs learners, but also actively involves them in the defense strategy. After all, cyber criminals exploit the lack of knowledge - and human nature - to lure their victims into cyber traps with increasingly sophisticated tricks.
Traditional training methods had reached their limits here. An innovative approach was needed to not only convey dry theory to the learners, but also to motivate them in a sustainable way, making the learning material not only understandable, but also tangible. The youknow team was entrusted with the task of developing a training concept that would meet modern requirements and enable employees to act as a human firewall.
The solution therefore not only had to impart knowledge, but also place it in the context of the real threat: Learners needed to become active participants in the fight against cybercrime by learning practical skills. In short, it was about creating a learning environment that both informs and inspires, empowering participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge at the crucial moment.
The solution
Defeating cybercrime with serious games
In response to the challenges, G DATA CyberDefense created the creative serious games series "Ransomware" in collaboration with youknow. This training series uses the power of game-based learning to introduce employees to the world of cyberthreats and train them effectively.
The solution is characterized by a unique combination of interactivity, storytelling and gamification - and shines with a nostalgic 8-bit look that will make the hearts of fans of retro games beat faster. Protagonist Martin and his adventures in the Deep Cyber World serve as a common thread throughout the eleven chapters of the educational series. Through interaction with various characters and antagonists - from data ghosts to nasty blackmail Trojans - learners not only build up knowledge, but also develop a deep understanding of the mechanisms of ransomware attacks and how they can protect themselves against them.
The result is impressive: in the training series, a new type of learning environment was created in which participants collect and expand their knowledge in a personal "inventory". In the course of the adventure with Martin, the game's popular character, new acquaintances and valuable knowledge are entered directly into this inventory. Here, learners can find in-depth information on different types of malware and effective protection strategies at any time - exactly when they need it. The content is conveyed subtly and is closely linked to the captivating story, so that learners playfully and almost unconsciously expand their knowledge.
With chapter lengths of maximum 15 minutes, the format promotes the concept of small-scale but continuous learning and fits seamlessly into the working day. Instead of a tedious compulsory program, the games offer a short, entertaining break that can be enjoyed anywhere on mobile devices - an enrichment that significantly increases the fun factor and thus the joy of learning.
The gripping narrative style and the freedom of choice in the course of the game not only stimulate intrinsic motivation, but also strengthen the memory. Learners experience a story in which they themselves set the course and thus take responsibility for the outcome. The identification with Martin and the immersive experience turn learning into an exciting mission, where you completely forget that it is actually a training course. This approach maximizes the motivation to get to grips with the subject matter and therefore also the learning effect.
The success speaks for itself: the completion rate for this game-based e-learning is an impressive 90%, and the learning effect is just as outstanding at 90%. This is in stark contrast to conventional e-learning, where these figures are significantly lower (less than 10%).
Would you like to get a taste of the game? You can play a demo version of the game here:
Christian Laber
Head of E-learning Development
G DATA
„We use a very vivid narrative style here to make a very technical topic tangible. The format of a "serious game" also offers a high degree of interaction. The design of the games is unmistakable in its technical, video game-oriented 8-bit style and sets the entire training series apart from other formats. All in all, the learning effect in this important area is therefore very high and, above all, the content is retained through intrinsically motivated learning motivated learning.“
Conclusion
On the right track
The serious games series "Ransomware" by G DATA CyberDefense and youknow has proven to be a real game changer in the world of cyber security training. The combination of an immersive gaming experience, in-depth learning content and well thought-out gamification inspires learners - and also the Gesellschaft für Pädagogik, Informationen und Medien e.V. (GPI), which honored the training series with the renowned Comenius EduMedia Award, as well as the jury of the e-learning Journal, which awarded the training with the eLearning Journal Award in the category "Game Based Learning".
Learners are now better equipped to face the continuously evolving cyber threats. By identifying with the protagonist Martin and directly engaging with the content in the exciting game world, not only has their understanding of the dangers of ransomware increased, but also their ability to take preventive measures and react correctly in an emergency. The Case Study clearly shows that G DATA CyberDefense has not only embarked on a new path with the Serious Games series, but also one that delivers concrete and measurable results. The high completion rate and the significant learning effect confirm that the playful approach to the serious topic of cyber security is a complete success.
Annalena Moritz
Account Manager
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