CyberStrike24: Smart City Takedown, Hacker Heist

CyberStrike24: Smart City Takedown, Hacker Heist is a strategic board game and simulation set in the technologically advanced Smart Island City, a bustling metropolis known for its interconnected infrastructure and vibrant community life. The game supports up to 32 players, divided into two teams: the Red Team, consisting of cyber criminals and hackers, and the Blue Team, composed of cybersecurity professionals and first responders. The backdrop of the game includes significant city events such as a championship game, fireworks, and a parade, which add to the complexity and urgency of the cyber warfare. The simulation components realistically cover traffic, crowds, and potential catastrophes, adding depth to the strategic gameplay.

The gameplay of CyberStrike24 blends physical and digital elements, offering a hybrid experience through its board game components and an interactive mobile app. Players navigate through 56 locations (expandable to 80 with the game's expansions), each with unique strategic importance. The game is turn-based, with each hour in the game representing a real-time turn. Players must carefully plan their moves, employing tactics such as hacking, social engineering, and crisis management to achieve their objectives. The interactive app enhances the experience by providing real-time updates and personal perspectives for each player. Players can acquire cyberweapons on the dark web and build a botnet to execute their attacks, adding a layer of realism to the cyber warfare.

The primary goal for the Red Team is to sow chaos and fear by hacking into critical systems, stealing data and money, and causing widespread disruptions. Their ultimate objective is to drive the city's population into a state of panic, thereby scoring the highest points and achieving an instant victory if the panic level reaches its maximum. Conversely, the Blue Team aims to maintain peace and order by defending against cyber-attacks, restoring compromised systems, and apprehending hackers. They score points for systems defended, data and money preserved, and hackers apprehended, with the possibility of an instant win if they manage to arrest all the hackers. For larger games, a mole can be introduced as an insider or an informant, adding an extra layer of intrigue and strategy.

CyberStrike24 also offers educational benefits by familiarizing players with key cybersecurity terminology and job roles. The game provides an immersive way to understand the different facets of cyber warfare, including the ethical considerations and technical skills involved in both hacking and defending. By simulating real-world cyber threats and defense strategies, it aids in grasping the complexities of cybersecurity, making it a valuable tool for both students and professionals in the field.

—description from the designer