EXCITE: EXploring the enhancement of Cyber security training through Immersive TEchnology

The goal of the EXCITE (EXploring the enhancement of Cyber security training through Immersive TEchnology) project was to explore the potential to increase the efficacy of cyber security training for third-level students through the use of immersive experiences supported by virtual reality design. In the first phase of the EXCITE project, we explored the cyber security experience of a diverse, multi-disciplinary group of third-level students, their views on the suitability and effectiveness of cyber security training materials, and their perspectives on the potential use of immersive technologies in cyber security training. Based on our findings in Phase 1, Phase 2 focused on the design and development of a suite of cyber security immersive experiences presented in virtual three-dimensional student-oriented scenarios e.g., student residence, university computer lab, café. The experiences cover the topics of Password Guidance, Phishing Awareness, Social Engineering, Your Digital Footprint, Social Media Use, Secure Remote Working, Protecting Your Data and Devices, and Incident Reporting. In this chapter, the design of each phase of EXCITE is presented, along with its findings, feedback from students, and recommendations based on the experience of rolling out the cyber security awareness experiences in a university.