Advact

Cyber security training with a medieval twist

Cyber security is a critical topic for organisations — yet it’s often not taken seriously enough.
To raise awareness of risks and protective measures, we developed an e-learning for advact covering four essential cyber security topics:

• Email security

• Passwords and two-factor authentication

• Secure handling of USB devices

• Recognising phone and SMS phishing

But how do you make such a serious topic engaging and memorable? The answer lay in an unexpected connection: the Middle Ages.

The challenge

Cyber security and medieval times seem worlds apart at first glance.
Bridging this contrast was the core challenge of the project.

How do you link password security or phishing attacks to an era shaped by knights and castles? It wasn’t an obvious match, but that was exactly the appeal: creating a story that initially feels absurd, yet ultimately forms a powerful and intuitive analogy.

The solution

To make the four cyber security topics engaging and easy to understand, we placed the entire e-learning in a medieval world.

Analogies from the age of knights and castles helped explain modern threats and protective measures:

• USB sticks became poisoned potions

• Passwords turned into keys

• Phishing calls became carrier pigeons delivering fake messages

Knowledge was conveyed playfully through small puzzles and clear take-away messages. The result: learners were encouraged to think — and smile — while still grasping the seriousness of the topic. This creative approach helped anchor key messages in memory without trivialising the risks.

The outcome

The medieval setting made the e-learning distinctive and allowed complex cyber security topics to be communicated in an engaging way.

Despite the unusual theme, the core messages remained clear, relevant, and effective.
The project didn’t just resonate with learners — it also challenged and inspired our team creatively.

About advact

advact specialises in raising employee awareness around cyber security.
The company helps organisations build safer behaviours when dealing with digital threats.

Learn more at phishingservice.ch.