A training platform is giving users the upper hand against hackers
The primary reason behind cyberattacks are vulnerabilities in production systems. While the case, 90% of companies have a reactive attitude towards these attacks and only try to fix these vulnerabilities after the system has been developed. The ADVERSARY(opens in new window) project offers a novel cybersecurity platform to help companies minimise vulnerabilities from the onset of development.
The ADVERSARY platform
Project coordinator and CEO of the ADVERSARY Platform, Steindór Guðmundsson, explains: “Our platform provides tools for hands-on cybersecurity training through a gamified experience.” In this platform, the user can take on the role of the hacker in real-world scenarios. This helps to reduce security risks as developers are kept up to date with the latest threats and attacks. Developers further undergo interactive security training with a guide, hint systems and scoreboards. The platform also helps them understand how code breaks, how hackers mount exploits and how attacks can be prevented. “Our exercises are entertaining, challenging, informative and realistic,” reports Guðmundsson. New exercises that address current security issues are continually being released. Included in these are all Open Web Application Security Project, or OWASP, Top 10-2017 application security risks(opens in new window).
Phase 1 – highlighting the project’s potential
“Phase 1 of the project allowed us to research the market which included our target audience and their needs,” confirms Guðmundsson. It also enabled the project to conduct research into intellectual property rights and freedom to operate. “We needed to know if there were any patents already in existence as well as understand the resources required to go full force into the market with our platform,” he notes. The results of their extensive research showed that they could launch their product into the market without restrictions. It also put a spotlight on the very real need for security training – especially one that is hands-on and effective. “Cybercrime is constantly increasing and evolving, and developers need to stay on top of the latest vulnerabilities and write more secure code,” emphasises Guðmundsson, who adds: “Gamification increases user engagement and our target users are developers and other IT professionals.” This SME Instrument phase also enabled the project to access the expertise and support of the network at Innovation Center Iceland(opens in new window) as well as in the EU – both which have been instrumental to its success. “Because of the phase 1 grant, we had access to a coach, for example, who was able to help us develop our strategy going forward and help us decide where we should focus our efforts in the near future.
Moving on to greater things
“In our minds, the project isn’t really finished at all – it’s just a stepping stone to a much larger project,” says Guðmundsson. “We’re now going for phase 2 of the EU grant.” There will be much more to come from the ADVERSARY platform in the future.
