These scenario-based cybersecurity games from IBM, Trend Micro, Microsoft, the Financial Times, and Google help help demystify the basics of working in information security.

Microsoft Security Adventure

Complete with unicorns, ransomware, annoyed staff, and a calm, collected information security engineer, Microsoft Security Adventure puts you in the seat of Kiana as she investigates a cyberattack on Contosa. Players work with team mates, prioritize conflicting goals, and make difficult decisions with limited resources. (Bonus Challenge: See if you can spot all the Microsoft products mentioned throughout the game.)

Cybersecurity Ops: Terminal [IBM]

The games begins: You’re an IT analyst, assigned to work on issues that include troubleshooting suspicious WiFi outages and pushing firmware upgrades. Next, you take on the role of a manager tasked with recruiting and strategically deploying an incident response team. And finally, in what the game refers to as Act III, the player is asked to make CISO-level executive decisions, reassure concerned board members, and field calls from a reporter who can smell a story.

Ransomware Attack Simulator [Financial Times]

Can you negotiate your way out of a ransomware attack? Find out with the Financial Times Ransomware Simulator.

Targeted Attacks: The Game [Trend Micro]

Data Center Attack [Trend Micro]

Step into the role of a hospital’s new Chief Information Security Officer and make the necessary preparations to ensure that all systems are compliant and operating securely. On your journey, you’ll be met with some of the real-world challenges security executives often encounter, including limited budgets, impractical deadlines, and the painful realization that most staff has never received any sort of security awareness training.

Cyber Challenge [Department of Defense]

According to the cybermission.tech website: “This is more than just a game, it’s a test of your cyber skills. Defeat every stage and you’ll be worthy of the Ultimate Challenge. Hungry for more? Discover the roles that make up the nation’s elite military cyber warfare teams.”

… and one for the kids

Interland [Google]

As part of their mission to “Help kids be safe, confident explorers of the online world“, Google’s Be Internet Awesome initiative includes a game for younger kids, complete with a fictional world called Interland. Parents and guardians can rest easy knowing that children are learning valuable skills as they explore Mindful Mountain, the Tower of Treasure, Kind Kingdom, and Reality River.

Enjoy these free, broweser-based cybersecurity games and let us know which one is your favorite!