Cybersecurity games help a growing number of individuals realize that cybersecurity goes beyond initial thoughts of IT security controls by delving deeper into motives, tactics, techniques, and multi-pivot strategies. It helps us see that cybersecurity is about motives not just controls.

Games remove the stigma of stereotypes associated with cybersecurity and open a path for players from all kinds of backgrounds, nationalities, education levels, and age groups to learn and grow. This infusion of diverse skills and mindware will contribute to up-leveling our cybersecurity workforce.

Games adjust to all skill levels and types. While red versus blue remains a favorite format, today's games can also be focused on policy, forensic puzzles, clue-based escape rooms, and jeopardy questions. This variety trains the workforce for defense in depth and breadth to enable comprehensive risk strategies.

Today's cyber strategies are about more than just finding needles in haystacks, they are about visibility into and across the surface of the haystack. Unlike traditional classroom teachings and labs, games can provide more real-life experiences that help see indicators, threats, and impact more clearly. Games help condition the human mind to see the indicators (‘blinks’) that inform better decision-making through heightened awareness.

Ever wonder why, after spending millions of dollars trying to address the cyber workforce gap, it remains years later? On top of completing mundane tasks and using noisy security tools, corporate security professionals lack the ability to test and stretch their skills and learn a new environment with different defenses and threats. Games offer safe and legal environments to do so amongst peers and mentors.

While Hollywood likes to emphasize the lone hacker taking over the world, the reality is that hackers hunt in packs. Both the bad and good actors have discovered the power of a community-based team effort by choosing to share, contribute, and collaborate to achieve a goal or just learn something new.

Today's games can be played across a wide variety of digital platforms with some games only requiring a cell phone to participate. This ubiquitous access enables an extended population of individuals from all age groups, economic backgrounds, and skill levels to learn, compete, and grow.