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Cyber H20

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Virginia Digital Maritime Center

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Cyber H₂O is an interactive, role-based simulation game where players defend a digitally controlled water treatment system from cyberattacks. Developed in Unity, the game immerses students in realistic scenarios—such as unauthorized access, malware infiltration, and network anomalies—that mirror real-world threats to critical infrastructure. Players take on roles like Network Security Engineer, ICS Specialist, or Incident Response Coordinator and engage in mini-games that teach core skills such as log analysis, access control, and network defense. By aligning with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and NICE Workforce Framework, Cyber H₂O blends scenario-based and experiential learning to reinforce technical knowledge, critical thinking, and decision-making under pressure. Immediate feedback, branching outcomes, and escalating challenges ensure that players not only learn cybersecurity concepts but also experience the real-world consequences of their actions in protecting public water systems.

Game Overview

Cyber H₂O teaches players foundational cybersecurity concepts within the context of protecting water infrastructure. Players develop skills in log analysis, access control, and network traffic management, while also practicing critical thinking, situational awareness, and rapid decision-making under pressure. The game emphasizes the importance of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover) and introduces role-specific competencies mapped to the NICE Workforce Framework. Beyond technical skills, the game highlights broader ideas such as the real-world consequences of cyber threats to public safety, the value of preparation and auditing, and the importance of collaboration across cybersecurity roles.

The primary goal of Cyber H₂O is to defend a digitally controlled water treatment system from escalating cyber threats. Players must identify, mitigate, and respond to attacks such as unauthorized access, malware infiltration, and abnormal network activity. Each challenge is designed to test both technical competencies and decision-making under pressure. Success requires players to protect water safety, minimize contamination, and prevent the spread of system compromise while working within their assigned role. The overarching challenge is to apply cybersecurity principles effectively in real time to maintain operational stability in critical infrastructure.

Cyber H₂O is designed for students ages 12 and up who are exploring cybersecurity and its impact on critical infrastructure. The primary audience includes middle school, high school, and early college learners, as well as participants in STEM camps or introductory cybersecurity programs. The game is also intended for educators and trainers seeking interactive tools to teach foundational cybersecurity skills. By mapping tasks to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and NICE Workforce Framework, the game introduces learners to real-world career roles, making it useful for both general education and workforce exploration.

The game assesses performance through integrated feedback systems and end-of-mission evaluations. During play, immediate indicators—such as contamination levels, virus spread, and system stability, show the effectiveness of player actions. Success in mini-games (e.g., correctly identifying malicious logs, making accurate access control decisions, or responding to network anomalies) reflects mastery of targeted skills. At the conclusion of each session, a summary report provides quantitative metrics like Virus Spread Level and Contamination Level, alongside qualitative severity ratings. This layered approach allows players and instructors to evaluate decision-making, responsiveness, and overall cyber defense effectiveness.

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