Security Education in Higher Education through AI-Powered Gamification

Bingjun Li; Christopher Buzaid; Weihao Qu

doi:10.65879/3070-5789.2025.01.07

Authors

Bingjun Li Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ, USA Author https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5984-0364
Christopher Buzaid Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ, USA Author
Weihao Qu Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ, USA Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65879/3070-5789.2025.01.07

Keywords:

Cybersecurity, Gamified Learning, Gamification, High Education, Phone Scam, TikTok

Abstract

Cybersecurity education is facing more challenges as AI-driven attacks are becoming increasingly realistic and difficult to detect. Traditional video-based cybersecurity training in higher education often suffers from both low engagement and limited effectiveness. This dilemma motivates educators to explore innovative approaches, such as AI-powered gamification, which can deliver engaging, meaningful, and personalized learning experiences. By presenting content in a more interactive and user-friendly way, these methods have the potential to significantly improve both learner engagement and educational outcomes. This paper explores AI-powered gamification in cybersecurity education through the development of several short, mobile-friendly games. These games cover a range of topics from password security to text and phone scam recognition, incorporate multiple gamification strategies, including quiz-based, narrative-based, and simulation-based designs, as well as interactive formats such as TikTok Mini-Games. We conducted a two-tiered evaluation with 59 college students (comprising 9 technical experts and 50 general users), and the results indicate the potential of AI-powered gamification to improve engagement and increase attention to cybersecurity topics in higher education.

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Security Education in Higher Education through AI-Powered Gamification

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