Network Nightmares: Using games to teach networks and security

We have created a game called Network Nightmares using an abstracted representation and simple game mechanics to introduce novice computer scientists to concepts in networks and computer security. The player plays from the perspective of a computer cracker looking for vulnerabilities in computer networks. This game uses an Angry-Birds-style interface where participants aim at and hit nodes within a computer network. This game is part of a larger research context to design simple media to extend the learning interface for an introductory computer science course outside of class hours by providing games, videos, and other media for students to engage with.