Abstract

The increasing sophistication of cyber threats highlights the urgent need for effective cybersecurity awareness. Human error remains a persistent vulnerability, and traditional training methods often lack engagement, resulting in poor knowledge retention and the enduring “intention–behavior gap.” This paper reviews existing approaches and emphasizes the benefits of gamification and simulation for improving engagement, learning outcomes, and behavioral change. It introduces AwarenessHub, a gamified platform designed for non-technical users that integrates interactive simulations, narrative-driven challenges, and real-time feedback to strengthen practical cyber skills through experiential learning.