Cyber security is a topic that a lot of people don’t know enough about. Certainly, GeekJabber has dedicated a lot of screen real estate to providing information that might help people improve their security while on the Internet. A large part of this is to help try and change the attitude that security is “someone else’s problem” by encouraging people to think about the things they need to do to keep themselves safe.
It is with this in mind that World Wide Hack piqued my interest. While it is not some sort of bizarre tool that can help improve your security, it is a game where you have to play the part of a computer hacker. You get to play the bad guy, which introduces you to the types of things they do in a simulated environment. I am hoping this is a game that people can use to introduce concepts from the “other side” of computer security.
It should be noted that right now the game is in early access, so this might not be the final version of the game, however when I fired it up it seemed to be fairly complete.
Gameplay
The gameplay is actually interesting. When you first load the game, you will be presented with a login screen. It is up to you to find the instructions to work out how you log in. It does integrate with the developer’s website where you can get the information required to complete this step.
Once you’re able to get through this step, you are then logged in to the pretend network and you need to then get to work.
At the bottom right hand corner of the screen, you will be given a list of tasks to do. It doesn’t give you step by step instructions, that’s for you to work out – you can’t make the game too easy – but it will give you enough information about the task to be useful.
This is actually extremely well done. While the interface looks a little overwhelming to begin with, it is very well thought out. The chat box does give you a lot of information about what you need to do. One thing that you will want to have is either a pen and paper, or a notepad window on a second monitor, to make notes as you go along. The reason is you will probably want to make notes as you go along.
Graphics
The graphics for this game are simply amazing. It’s not any of this fancy 3D stuff, but then with a game like this that’s not the point. It doesn’t need to be.
This is simply a game that is designed to create a futuristic looking interface to a computer, and in this case it nails it perfectly. This is particularly impressive given the extremely low system requirements for the game.
I am thoroughly impressed by what they’ve done with the graphics for the game. It shows what can be achieved even when you’re targeting low-end equipment.
Verdict
This is a game that is put together particularly well. It allows you to play the part of a hacker, and does a great job of it.
Of course, it’s not real hacking. It is a game after all. But it is a game that can help you think about security from the point of view of someone who is trying to gain access to systems. It’s obviously not the same as real hacking, and obviously won’t teach you how to hack, but it is still a great game to teach the concepts of what happens on the other side. Hopefully this is enough to get people at least thinking and talking about cyber security a little more.
Even if it doesn’t, it is an extremely fun, well-made game.
