Troubleshooting & Solutions

Common Issues & Quick Fixes

This guide helps you resolve common issues quickly during your KC7 event. Problems are organized by when they typically occur.


🚨 Emergency Quick Fixes

Participant Can't Access Game

  1. Verify correct link - Ensure they're using the GO link, not the intro link

  2. Try incognito mode - Bypasses browser cache/extension issues

  3. Switch browsers - Chrome → Firefox or vice versa

  4. Check network - Try mobile hotspot if institutional network blocked

Game Not Loading

  1. Refresh page (Ctrl+F5 or Cmd+Shift+R)

  2. Clear browser cache

  3. Disable ad blockers

  4. Check internet connection

Lost Progress

  1. Check if logged in - Progress saves to account

  2. Verify correct game link

  3. Contact support with username and game code


📅 Pre-Event Issues

"Event Not Approved Yet"

Symptom: Haven't received approval email after 72 hours

Solutions:

Can't Access Intro Page

Symptom: Intro link shows error or "not found"

Solutions:

  • Verify exact URL from approval email

  • Check if accidentally using participant (GO) link

  • Ensure no extra characters in URL

  • Try different browser

Network Blocking KC7

Symptom: IT says site is blocked

Solutions:

  • Request whitelist for *.kc7cyber.com

  • Provide educational justification

  • Use guest network if available

  • Consider mobile hotspots as backup


🎮 During Event Issues

Participants Can't Join

"Game Not Found" Error

  • Check: Using GO link, not intro link?

  • Verify: No typos in shared link

  • Try: Copy-paste link directly from email

"Access Denied" Message

  • Check: Game date matches today?

  • Verify: Participant limit not exceeded

  • Try: Clear cookies and retry

Login Problems

  • New users: Must create account first

  • Existing users: Try password reset

  • Quick fix: Create guest account if needed

Performance Issues

Slow Loading/Lag

For individuals:

  • Close unnecessary browser tabs

  • Check internet speed (need 3+ Mbps)

  • Try wired connection

  • Disable video if in virtual event

For entire event:

  • Stagger participant starts

  • Check venue bandwidth

  • Reduce concurrent users

  • Switch to backup network

Pages Not Responding

  • Hard refresh (Ctrl+Shift+R)

  • Clear browser data for last hour

  • Try different browser

  • Check if JavaScript enabled

Scoring/Progress Issues

Points Not Updating

  • Wait: System updates every 30 seconds

  • Refresh: Scoreboard page

  • Verify: Answer submitted properly

  • Check: Green checkmark appeared?

Lost Progress Mid-Game

  • Don't panic: Progress auto-saves

  • Log back in: With same account

  • Check: Correct game session

  • Note: Username for support

Wrong Team/Individual Setting

  • Contact host immediately

  • Can be fixed in tenant dashboard

  • May need to restart game session


🏁 Post-Event Issues

Can't Access Results

Missing Scoreboard:

  • Results available for 30 days

  • Check tenant dashboard

  • Export data before expiration

Incomplete Badges:

  • Badges awarded on completion

  • Partial progress doesn't count

  • Check participant finished fully

Participant Wants to Continue

Game Still Accessible:

  • Games remain open after event

  • Share GO link again

  • Progress continues to save

Want Different Module:

  • Add new game in tenant

  • Share new GO link

  • Previous progress retained


💻 Browser-Specific Issues

Chrome

Issue: "This site can't be reached"

  • Clear DNS cache: chrome://net-internals/#dns

  • Disable QUIC protocol

  • Reset Chrome settings

Firefox

Issue: "Secure connection failed"

  • Check date/time settings

  • Clear cookies for kc7cyber.com

  • Disable strict tracking protection

Safari

Issue: Page formatting broken

  • Enable JavaScript

  • Disable content blockers

  • Update to latest version

Edge

Issue: Compatibility problems

  • Switch to Chrome compatibility mode

  • Clear browsing data

  • Check enterprise policies


🏫 Institution-Specific Issues

School Networks

Chromebook Restrictions:

  • Work with IT for policy exception

  • Use guest mode if allowed

  • Try teacher override codes

Content Filter Blocking:

  • Educational gaming category approval

  • Specific domain whitelist

  • Time-based exception for event

Corporate Networks

VPN Interference:

  • Disconnect VPN if possible

  • Use split tunneling

  • Try personal devices

Proxy Issues:

  • Configure browser proxy settings

  • Use proxy bypass for KC7

  • Consider direct internet connection


👥 Virtual Event Issues

Screen Sharing Problems

  • Share specific browser tab, not screen

  • Check platform permissions

  • Use backup presenter if needed

  • Have co-host ready

Audio Echo/Feedback

  • Participants mute when not speaking

  • Use headphones

  • Adjust platform audio settings

  • Consider push-to-talk

Participants Can't See Game

  • Ensure sharing correct window

  • Increase screen resolution

  • Share GO link in chat

  • Have them play independently


📊 Tenant Dashboard Issues

Can't Add New Games

  • Check tenant permissions

  • Verify classroom selected

  • Clear browser cache

  • Try different browser

User Management Problems

  • Bulk operations may take time

  • Check email addresses valid

  • Verify role permissions

  • Export/import as backup

Data Export Failing

  • Reduce date range

  • Export smaller groups

  • Try different format

  • Check browser downloads


🆘 When All Else Fails

Immediate Support Channels

  1. Discord (Fastest): KC7 Discord

    • Real-time help from community

    • Screen sharing available

    • Other hosts can assist

  2. Email Support: [email protected]

    • Include: Event code, issue description, screenshots

    • Response within 24-48 hours

  3. Backup Plans:

    • Have offline cybersecurity activity ready

    • Prepared discussion questions

    • Video walkthrough of module

    • Schedule makeup session

Information to Gather for Support

When contacting support, provide:


🎯 Prevention Tips

One Week Before

  • Run full test with real accounts

  • Check all network requirements

  • Verify links work correctly

  • Have IT support on standby

Day Before

  • Send reminder with correct link

  • Test from participant perspective

  • Prepare troubleshooting handout

  • Charge all devices

Day Of

  • Arrive 30 minutes early

  • Test everything again

  • Have backup plan ready

  • Keep support contacts handy


💡 Pro Tips from Experienced Hosts

  1. Always have a backup plan - Internet fails, be ready

  2. Test with actual participants - Not just your account

  3. Document issues and solutions - Build your playbook

  4. Keep calm during problems - Participants follow your lead

  5. Turn issues into learning - Troubleshooting is cybersecurity!

Remember: Most issues have simple solutions, and the KC7 community is here to help!

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