“Guardians of the Grid: A Cybersecurity tabletop board game” is a thrilling new game that aims to bring the world of cybersecurity to your living room. Designed by the nonprofit Pro Se Practice, this game allows players to take on the roles of cybercriminals or cyber defenders as they navigate real-life incidents and industry-trusted frameworks. With a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, Pro Se Practice aims to raise at least $20,000 to launch the game. The campaign promises exciting gameplay, including scenarios from real-world threat actors and events. If successful, the company plans to create specialized modules for key sectors, including healthcare, finance, and utilities. With cyber threats becoming more prominent, “Guardians of the Grid” provides an engaging and educational tool to prepare individuals and organizations for cybersecurity challenges.
Guardians of the Grid: A Cybersecurity Tabletop Board Game
Overview
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, staying prepared and equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge is crucial. Traditional training methods can often be dry and lack engagement, which is why the nonprofit organization Pro Se Practice has developed Guardians of the Grid, a cybersecurity tabletop board game. This innovative game brings the excitement and strategic thinking of cybersecurity exercises to the comfort of your living room. By playing as either cybercriminals or cyber defenders, players can learn and hone their skills while facing off in a thrilling duel. With a focus on real-life incidents and industry-trusted frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK, CIS Top 10, and the NIST 800 series, Guardians of the Grid is a comprehensive tool for individuals and organizations looking to enhance their cybersecurity preparedness.
Introduction to Guardians of the Grid
Guardians of the Grid is the brainchild of Aaron Weismann, the Chief Information Security Officer at Philadelphia-based Main Line Health. Recognizing the need for a more engaging and interactive approach to cybersecurity training, Weismann designed this unique tabletop board game. The game aims to simulate real-life incidents and challenges faced by cybersecurity professionals in a fun and educational way. The game’s mechanics and scenarios draw inspiration from industry frameworks and actual threat actors, providing players with a realistic and immersive experience.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Guardians of the Grid revolves around a strategic duel between the red team, representing hackers, and the blue team, symbolizing defenders. Players take on the roles of these teams and engage in a series of challenges and scenarios that test their cybersecurity skills. Each team must strategize and make decisions based on the specific objectives of the game. This includes tasks such as malware propagation, file and operations recovery, insurance and payment negotiation, and effective communication with the public and stakeholders. By navigating these challenges, players gain a deeper understanding of cybersecurity concepts and best practices.
Roles in the Game
Guardians of the Grid offers players the opportunity to take on different roles, each with its unique responsibilities and objectives. These roles represent the diverse range of professionals found in the cybersecurity field and highlight the importance of collaboration and teamwork.
Defender’s Role
The defender’s role in the game focuses on protecting the digital assets and infrastructure from cyber attacks. As a defender, players must employ defensive strategies, monitor for potential threats, and respond effectively to incidents. This role emphasizes the significance of proactive cybersecurity measures and risk mitigation.
Hacker’s Role
On the other side of the board, players can assume the role of hackers. The hacker’s role involves exploiting vulnerabilities, bypassing security measures, and infiltrating the defender’s digital defenses. This role highlights the importance of understanding the methods and techniques employed by cybercriminals to better defend against them.
Real-Life Incidents and Frameworks
To ensure the authenticity and relevance of Guardians of the Grid, the game draws inspiration from real-life incidents and industry-trusted frameworks. By incorporating these elements, the game provides players with practical scenarios and challenges they may encounter in their professional careers.
MITRE ATT&CK
MITRE ATT&CK is a widely recognized cybersecurity framework that lists techniques and tactics used by threat actors. Guardians of the Grid leverages this framework to create realistic scenarios and challenges for players to navigate. By aligning the gameplay with MITRE ATT&CK, the game provides a valuable learning experience that directly translates to real-world cybersecurity scenarios.
Pro Se Practice’s Role in Disaster Preparation
In addition to its focus on realism, Guardians of the Grid aims to aid players in disaster preparation. The game includes a generic incident response binder, which acts as a playbook detailing the necessary steps to deal with and recover from a cybersecurity disaster. It covers various aspects, including malware propagation, file and operations recovery, insurance and payment negotiation, and effective communication with the public and stakeholders. This addition enhances the gameplay experience by providing players with practical guidance on how to handle real-life incidents.
Conclusion
Guardians of the Grid offers a unique and engaging approach to cybersecurity training and preparedness. By combining the excitement of a tabletop board game with real-life incidents and industry-trusted frameworks, this game provides a comprehensive learning experience. Whether you are a cybersecurity professional, a student, or an organization looking to enhance your cybersecurity measures, Guardians of the Grid offers a valuable tool for honing your skills and preparing for potential threats. Invest in the future of cybersecurity preparedness and join the ranks of the Guardians of the Grid.
