An Interactive Learning System for Cyber Security Education

This paper describes a learning system that uses virtualization technology to build a multiplayer cyber-attack and defense learning system infrastructure.The infrastructure emulated a realistic network that included numerous student network environments.Virtual machines were implemented in each student's network environment and they served as both attack and defense.In addition, the system infrastructure allowed interaction among students' network environments, therefore making it more similar to a realistic world network.The learning system functioned as a competition environment to encourage students to interact with each other.Each student acted as both attacker and defender.From the perspective of the attacker, students were able to perform hacking activities to other class members.Students were required to identify other students' system vulnerabilities and model the actions of the attacks.From the defender's point of view, students needed to apply a certain technique to prevent the corresponding attacks.The system allowed students access to the infrastructure anytime and anywhere.The system provided students with opportunities to learn cyberattack and prevention techniques in a simulation environment.