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Abstract
This thesis analyzes the pedagogical potential of using gamification and interactive learning technologies in teaching cybersecurity. Gamification is considered a means of increasing students’ engagement and motivation by incorporating game elements such as points, levels, badges, rankings, tasks, rewards, and narrative scenarios into the educational process. A 2026 systematic review analyzing 230 studies published between 2018 and 2024 demonstrates the widespread use of gamification and serious game approaches in cybersecurity education [1]. At the same time, studies published in 2025 indicate that game-based approaches can increase engagement, although their impact on learning outcomes is not always conclusive [2; 3]. The thesis proposes an approach that integrates gamification, interactive simulations, scenario-based learning, and immediate feedback into a unified methodological cycle.
References
1. Weeratunge N. H., Hjelsvold R., Katt B. A systematic scoping review on game-based cybersecurity awareness education. International Journal of Information Security, 2026, 25, Article 71. DOI: 10.1007/s10207-026-01239-9.
2. Gamifying cybersecurity: A narrative-driven approach to teaching steganography. Computers and Education Open, 2025, 9, 100288. DOI: 10.1016/j.caeo.2025.100288.
3. Amjad M. et al. Unlocking Cybersecurity: A Game-Changing Framework for Training and Awareness—A Systematic Review. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 2025. DOI: 10.1155/hbe2/9982666.
4. Liu N., Long S., Martin F. Systematic Review of Elementary Cybersecurity Education: Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Barriers. Journal of Cybersecurity Education, Research and Practice, 2025, Article 21.
5. Dominguez Aguila A. J., Ojeda Marchán R. S., Donayre Monteza F. A. Gamification in Education for Phishing Prevention: A Systematic Review. LACCEI, 2025. DOI: 10.18687/LEIRD2025.1.1.443.
6. Williams L., Anthi E., Cherdantseva Y., Javed A. Leveraging Gamification and Game-based Learning in Cybersecurity Education: Engaging and Inspiring Non-Cyber Students. Journal of The Colloquium for Information Systems Security Education, 2024, 11(1). DOI: 10.53735/cisse.v11i1.186.
7. From CTF to Competence: UX-Driven and Didactic Foundations for Gamified Cybersecurity Training Platforms. Applied Sciences, 2026, 16(12), 6100.