It’s no secret that learning about cybersecurity is crucial in today’s digital age. Now, Sinclair Community College in Ohio is taking education to the next level with a major grant from the National Science Foundation to develop and expand a new game called Sticker Heist. Developed by computer science professor Mike Libassi, the game offers a hands-on and fun approach to learning cybersecurity essentials.
The Sticker Heist game is a fully self-contained network security system that challenges students to protect a box full of stickers which they need to hack into in order to claim their prize. Along the way, they learn basic cybersecurity and IT essentials, as well as how to think like an attacker, a crucial skill in becoming a defender.
Professor Libassi has been thrilled with the response from his students, saying, It’s exciting because I like seeing it when the students get their hands on it and that’s the best part. Seeing them interact and think outside the box, no pun intended, to find ways to break into this and along that process, learn those cybersecurity skills.
The grant funding of over $646,000 will not only help further develop and expand the game, but also provide resources such as a new 3D printer for prototyping designs. The goal is to get more people in Southwest Ohio interested and qualified for cybersecurity work. The college plans to collaborate with community partners to spread the game, including the Dayton Regional STEM Center, and even make it available to K-12 schools and programs.
For students like Kristin Kudel, the Sticker Heist game has been a valuable learning experience. She explains, A lot of the stuff you learn in here is in the textbook in general. It’s a lot nicer to see a system. Kudel has recently secured a job in the tech field and is grateful for her professor’s work being recognized.
Professor Libassi expressed his fulfillment in seeing his passion project come to life and benefit his students. This is the reason why I love teaching. It comes to fruition, it brings a passion project to the students who also like it, and they learn from it. So it’s very fulfilling, he said.
With the support of the National Science Foundation grant, Sinclair Community College is not only enhancing cybersecurity education but also inspiring the next generation of defenders in the field.
