Publication Date
2025
Submission Category
Academic
Abstract
In the current rapidly evolving digital era, the importance of cybersecurity has become paramount, with millions of records stolen daily and the cost of cybercrime reaching trillions of dollars annually. While the importance of cybersecurity is increasing, many individuals continue to implement poor cybersecurity practices, such as utilizing weak password construction strategies, opening phishing attachments, and handling data irresponsibly. These practices place individuals and the entities that employ them at risk, highlighting a critical need for greater cybersecurity awareness. Addressing this need requires effective strategies to increase awareness and alter individual behaviors. This paper provides a thorough examination of two primary approaches that can be utilized by companies, organizations, and institutions alike: cybersecurity campaigns and serious games. Drawing from extensive research, this paper identifies the key elements necessary for successful cybersecurity initiatives, explores the psychological factors that influence individual behavior, and demonstrates the effectiveness of certain strategies in altering specific cybersecurity behaviors and increasing knowledge retention. The paper concludes that by combining the strengths of cybersecurity campaigns and serious games, entities can enhance cybersecurity awareness and practices among individuals.
