FURI | Fall 2023

Cyber Challenges for Novice Learners

This research project explores the creation of interactive cybersecurity challenges tailored to enhance student skills and interest, spotlighting phone phreaking techniques like the Blue Box and the 2600 Hz exploit. Phone phreaking, born from a blend of technical curiosity, exploration, and a desire for cost-free communication, played a pivotal role in the history of telecommunications. Its historical significance in exploitation, relative ease of understanding, and universal student familiarity with phone systems make it an approachable yet educational starting point for novice learners. These challenges bridge the gap between historical exploration and modern cybersecurity, providing students with a solid foundation for understanding security challenges in our digital world. Further research will refine challenge complexity and assess their impact on skill acquisition among students.