Title:
Integration of Scenario-Based Learning in CyberTOMP with FLECO Studio: Enhancing Situational Awareness Training in Cybersecurity [Download]Authors:
Domínguez-Dorado, Manuel and Rodríguez-Pérez, Francisco J. and Cortés-Polo, David and Galeano-Brajones, Jesús and Calle-Cancho, Jesús
Index Terms:
Computer security;Training;Organizations;Decision making;Complexity theory;Data mining;Cyberspace;Computer crime;Artificial intelligence;Software;Building multifunctional cybersecurity teams;cybersecurity skills development;holistic tactical-operational c
Abstract:
Situational awareness is crucial in cybersecurity to identify, understand, and anticipate cyber threats, and to make effective decisions during cyber crises. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a hands-on approach based on interactive scenarios using FLECO Studio software, integrated into the holistic management model CyberTOMP, compared to a traditional lecture-based approach framed within the same model. An experiment was designed with 200 participants, divided into a treatment group (70%) and a control group (30%). Both groups received training aimed at increasing their level of situational awareness in cybersecurity, with assessments conducted before and after the training. The treatment group employed the interactive scenario-based approach modeled with FLECO Studio, while the control group received traditional lecture-based training. To mitigate potential biases, preventive measures were implemented during the design and analysis of the study. The statistically analyzed results illustrated a significant improvement (up to 54%) in the situational awareness level of the treatment group, along with a strongly positive perception of effectiveness among the participants. These findings suggest that the interactive scenario-based approach, using tools embedded within a comprehensive holistic framework, significantly enhances the acquisition of situational awareness capabilities in cybersecurity compared to a traditional lecture-based approach.
DOI:
How to cite:
Domínguez-Dorado, Manuel and Rodríguez-Pérez, Francisco J. and Cortés-Polo, David and Galeano-Brajones, Jesús and Calle-Cancho, Jesús, "Integration of Scenario-Based Learning in CyberTOMP with FLECO Studio: Enhancing Situational Awareness Training in Cybersecurity" in IEEE Revista Iberoamericana de Tecnologias del Aprendizaje, pp. 1-1, . 2025. doi: 10.1109/RITA.2025.3616004