by Aila Gene De Guzman
Figure Your Way Out. Find The Hint. Crack the code.
This is what I remember when I joined the SeidoPro Information Security Month Activity, Seido S.H.I.E.L.D. Escape Rooms last May 2024. Just imagine stepping into a world filled with mystery, intrigue, and a ticking clock. Joining this activity was an invitation to embark on an exhilarating journey where my team and I could become the heroes of our own immersive experience.
As the door locked behind us, the adrenaline began to surge through our veins and made us realize that the next few minutes will test our teamwork and problem-solving skills like never before.
Our mission was to navigate through complex systems, infiltrate secure networks, and uncover hidden secrets that lie within. And as we dove into the activity we just found ourselves surrounded by a virtual world filled with led light interfaces, encrypted codes, firewalls, and a world where every corner holds a hidden secret, where mysteries await to be unraveled, and where our curiosity became our greatest ally.
Before we entered the escape room the facilitator gave us a guide map that would also help us find clues on how we to escape the room. We could also ask for help from them, but in return our time will be extended. “Once entered, there’s no turning back”. Those were the last words I heard when the doors opened. As we entered the room, we were greeted by a futuristic environment filled with an array of computer monitors, keyboards, laptops, and high tech gadgets. The walls were lined with sleek, dark panels adorned with glowing LED lights. A large central console dominated the room, surrounded by various workstations equipped with multiple screens displaying cryptic codes and encrypted data. There was an intense and suspenseful atmosphere with ambient electronic music which occasionally beeped, adding to the feeling of urgency. The lighting was dim, punctuated by the occasional flash of neon or the soft glow from the computer screens, creating a high-tech, digital ambiance. The main objective was to simulate stopping a sophisticated hacking operation. Me and my teammates must navigate through a series of interconnected puzzles and tasks to stop a breach on a secure network and retrieve critical information. Each station was equipped with a different type of code-cracking challenge. It required us to solve complex encryption codes and decode hidden messages. Scattered throughout the room were digital clues and hidden passwords. These clues often appeared on screens or in the form of cryptic messages that needed to be decrypted to proceed. Ultimately, the goal was to complete the tasks and escape before time runs out.
At first, I was drawn to the escape room for its thrilling atmosphere and the challenge of escaping within a limited timeframe. Little did I know that it would also serve as a platform for learning about the importance of cybersecurity and the potential vulnerabilities we face in our digital lives. I encountered various puzzles that required me to think like a hacker. I learned about different hacking techniques that hackers can use, such as social engineering, password cracking, and network exploitation. It was fascinating to see how hackers exploit weaknesses in systems and manipulate them to gain unauthorized access. Through the escape room’s immersive environment, I gained a firsthand understanding of the consequences of weak cybersecurity practices. I realized how easily personal information can be compromised and the potential damage that can be inflicted by cybercriminals. It was a wake up call to the importance of protecting our digital identities and securing our online presence. It made me more aware of the importance of being cautious about sharing personal information and being aware of potential phishing attempts. I also learned about the significance of strong passwords and the dangers of using the same password across multiple accounts. This actually underpinned the importance of creating unique and complex passwords as a fundamental step in protecting our digital identities. Furthermore, the experience shed light on the critical role of cybersecurity in our increasingly interconnected world.
The Seido S.H.I.E.L.D. Escape Room experience highlighted the significance of teamwork and collaboration when it comes to issues of cybersecurity. Just as in an escape room where each team member brings unique skills and perspectives to solve puzzles, cybersecurity also requires a collective effort. It reinforced the idea that we are all responsible for maintaining a secure digital environment, not just for ourselves but for the greater community. This activity was not just about hacking your way through obstacles. It also required strategic thinking, quick decision making, and the ability to adapt to ever changing circumstances. Every move you make, every line of code you write, and every system you successfully protect will determine your success in unraveling the mysteries that await. The excitement built as you work through the challenges, each solution bringing you closer to completing the mission. The experience tested our problem solving skills, adaptability, and ability to work as a cohesive unit under pressure. Behind every successful escape, there is teamwork – that is what I learned when we successfully escaped the room.
So, if you’re ready to embark on an adventure that will challenge your mind, ignite your imagination, and keep you on the edge of your seat, it’s time for you to join an activity that is full of mystery and excitement. Step into a world where the unknown awaits, where every clue brings you closer to the truth, and where the thrill of discovery awaits around every corner. Are you ready to unveil the secrets? The game is waiting, and the mysteries are calling. Ciao!
