A little fish named Phil is the star of a new online computer game developed by Carnegie Mellon University computer scientists that helps teach people how to better navigate the hazardous waters of the Internet.
Called Anti-Phishing Phil, the interactive game assists users in identifying potential Internet scams and email “phishing,” illegal emails that are sent out in an attempt to trick users into revealing personal passwords or bank and credit card information.
To further test the game, the Carnegie Mellon Usable Privacy and Security Laboratory (CUPS) has launched an online field test. By visiting the website and clicking the “play the game” link, participants may offer researchers feedback on how well Phil works. Those who leave their email addresses will participate in a follow-up and be eligible for a $100 raffle prize.
The game has generated tremendous interest from companies who hope to use it for employee training, says Lorrie Cranor, associate research professor at CMU.
“A lot of people say that computer security is too complicated an issue for many users. Doing user security well is a big challenge. Our studies show that if you can find the right channel to reach people, focus on the really simple things that people need to know to stay safe online, people can be successfully trained,” says Cranor.
The project is part of a larger anti-phishing research effort at CMU funded by the National Science Foundation and the Army Research office.
To take the field test and play Anti-Phishing Phil, click here.
Writer: Deb Smit
Source: Lorrie Cranor, CMU's Institute for Software Research and CUPS
Image courtesy of CMU