Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Crack-Ers (Crack Riddles Applying Cybersecurity Knowledge - Escape Room Scenario), Benjamin Acuff

Posters-at-the-Capitol

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 …