Case Study: Cybersecurity Escape Game at INFRABEL
The purpose of this case study is to demonstrate how INFRABEL used an escape game designed by Coddy to raise awareness among its employees about cybersecurity, the results achieved, and the company’s future plans to continue strengthening the cybersecurity culture within its teams.
INFRABEL
INFRABEL is the public company responsible for managing railway infrastructure in Belgium. It plays a crucial role in national and international transport by maintaining and developing the railway network. With such an essential role, cybersecurity is a top priority.
Coddy
Coddy is an innovative company specializing in creating custom escape games for various occasions, including corporate events. Coddy offers immersive and interactive experiences that combine entertainment and learning, making complex topics like cybersecurity accessible and engaging.
Objective of the Activity
The main objective of the escape game was to raise awareness among INFRABEL’s ICT department employees about cybersecurity practices and how to respond in the event of an attack. The department wanted to ensure that every employee was aware of the risks and best practices to adopt.
We wanted to find a different, fun, and engaging way to raise our colleagues’ awareness about the importance of cybersecurity.
Challenges and Solutions
The main challenges were related to the tight deadline and managing large spaces to accommodate all participants. Getting employees who didn’t know each other to collaborate on a sensitive topic like cybersecurity was also a significant challenge.
Target Audience
The activity involved all employees of INFRABEL’s ICT department, encompassing a wide range of roles and responsibilities. Approximately 600 employees participated in the escape game, each bringing their unique skills and perspectives to this collaborative experience.
Activity Flow
The escape game, designed by Coddy, was structured into several stages and challenges, each aimed at teaching key cybersecurity concepts. Participants had to solve puzzles and face challenges simulating cyber attacks, encouraging them to think critically and collaborate effectively to find solutions.
Afternoon Schedule:
Introducing a fake virus, Telephone call to support, Coordination to solve puzzles, Searching for clues, Sensory evaluation, etc.
Results
Employee Engagement
Employee engagement levels were exceptionally high. Participants were enthusiastic and motivated, largely due to the competitive nature of the event and the rewards for the winners. This dynamic helped maintain a high level of interest and participation throughout the game.
Feedback from colleagues on this activity was very positive. We observed a lot of interest from them; they all completed the game. The fact that we used the concept of an escape game greatly helped in keeping everyone’s attention.
Knowledge and Skills Acquired
The escape game mainly aimed to teach employees how to react in case of a cyber attack. By simulating a real cyberattack situation, participants were able to learn the steps to take to protect computer systems in a fun and interactive way.
Effectiveness of the Activity
The activity was particularly effective in conveying cybersecurity lessons. The realistic simulation helped raise awareness among participants in a playful way, encouraging them to think about best practices.
When colleagues realized that certain behaviors clearly caused them to lose points and/or time in the game, they remembered the dangers of these behaviors much more effectively than through a traditional communication campaign.
Partnership with Coddy
Coddy, the partner in charge of creating the escape game, received very positive feedback. Despite very short deadlines, Coddy managed to deploy a 100% customized game for 600 people in a closed and secure environment, without any issues. Their ability to handle significant logistical challenges was particularly appreciated.
Coddy assisted us on a very tight schedule in creating a custom game that met all our initial learning requirements. With just one site visit, they managed to propose challenges that took into account our infrastructure, the large number of participants, and our communication needs.
Future Plans
INFRABEL is fully satisfied with the results of the escape game. Plans are underway to offer this game to other INFRABEL teams.
Conclusion
The Coddy escape game on cybersecurity created and organized for INFRABEL was a great success, both in terms of employee engagement and raising awareness about cybersecurity. The positive feedback and changes observed in employees’ attitudes demonstrate the effectiveness of this type of fun and educational activity.
INFRABEL continues to show its commitment to cybersecurity and innovation in training, preparing its teams to tackle cybersecurity challenges with competence and confidence.