Pennsylvania health system CISO looks to launch ransomware board game
– admin
Aaron Weismann, the chief information security officer of Radnor Township, Penn.-based Main Line Health, is on a mission to revolutionize cybersecurity training with his innovative approach.
He has ventured into uncharted territory by developing an engaging ransomware board game called “Guardians of the Grid,” which simulates the intense challenges of a cyberattack.
Realizing the potential impact of this groundbreaking concept, Weismann took to Kickstarter to raise funds for the development and production of the board game.
The campaign not only aims to make the game a reality but also has an ambitious stretch goal in sight.
If the campaign manages to reach $50,000, it will unlock a healthcare industry-specific module that will further enhance the relevance and applicability of the game.
“Guardians of the Grid” is designed as a competitive game that pits a red team of skilled hackers against a blue team of defenders.
Each team must strategize and employ various attack and defense tactics to outsmart their opponents.
To provide an immersive experience, the game comes equipped with 416 playing cards that vividly explain different cybersecurity attacks or defense techniques.
This rich array of cards ensures that players are exposed to a wide variety of scenarios and have the opportunity to learn and adapt to real-world situations.
However, Weismann’s ambition doesn’t stop there.
If the game manages to reach its first stretch goal of $50,000, it will unleash a new level of excitement for players.
Booster packs will be introduced, allowing the red team to assume the personas of notorious cybercriminal gangs like LockBit and BlackCat.
This addition not only adds complexity to the game but also exposes players to the tactics and strategies employed by actual threat actors in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Weismann believes that tabletop exercises such as “Guardians of the Grid” hold immense value in training staff to effectively respond to real-life cyberattacks.
They offer a unique opportunity for individuals to familiarize themselves with incident response protocols, which can prove vital during the heat of a cybersecurity crisis.
Moreover, these games foster a culture of information security awareness by addressing critical areas such as phishing, web browsing, portable media usage, insider threats, and other potentially risky organizational activities.
The Kickstarter campaign aims to raise $20,000, demonstrating the demand and interest in this innovative approach to cybersecurity training.
Weismann’s vision is to empower organizations with a fun yet effective tool that transforms the way cybersecurity is taught and understood.
By breaking down the complexity of cyber threats into an engaging game, “Guardians of the Grid” not only educates but also instills confidence in individuals to combat the most catastrophic events that can befall an organization.
The realm of cybersecurity is an ever-changing battlefield, and Weismann’s groundbreaking approach through “Guardians of the Grid” offers a promising avenue to empower individuals and organizations in their quest for cyber resilience.
As players gather around the board, armed with knowledge and skills acquired during gameplay, they become the true guardians of the digital realm, equipped to face the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.
Link: https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/cybersecurity/pennsylvania-health-system-ciso-looks-to-launch-ransomware-board-game.html