Quick Start Guide
In 5 minutes, you can request a cybersecurity competition. In 90 minutes, you can run one.
KC7 makes hosting cybersecurity competitions surprisingly simple. Your participants become digital detectives, investigating a cyber mystery while learning real security analysis skills. No cybersecurity expertise required on your part - the platform guides everyone through the experience.
Step 1: Request Your Event
Head to kc7cyber.com/gameon and tell us about your event. We'll need basics like your organization name, event date, and roughly how many people you expect. The form takes about 2 minutes to complete.
Once you submit, we'll review your request and typically approve it within 24-72 hours. While you wait, you can start planning the logistics.
Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with the Platform
When approved, you'll receive an email with two important links. Take 15-20 minutes to explore and understand how everything works:
Your Host Dashboard (kc7cyber.com/intro/XXXX) is your private control center. Visit this first to:
Watch the introductory videos that you'll show participants
Review the host guide and tips for running your event
Explore the live scoreboard and analytics tools you'll use during the event
Understand your tenant dashboard where you can add future games
The Participant Link (kc7cyber.com/go/XXXX) is what you'll share with your group. Test it yourself to see the participant experience:
Try creating a test account to see the sign-up process
Read through the opening scenario of "A Scandal in Valdoria"
Attempt a few challenges to understand what participants will experience
Note where the hint buttons are so you can guide stuck participants
This preparation ensures you're confident and ready to guide participants, even though KC7 handles all the actual cybersecurity instruction.
Step 3: Host Your Event
On game day, simply share the participant link with your group. They'll immediately be drawn into "A Scandal in Valdoria" - a cyber mystery set in a fictional kingdom where they must analyze security logs to uncover what happened.
As participants investigate, you can watch their progress through your host dashboard. The game is designed to be engaging for complete beginners while still teaching real cybersecurity investigation techniques. Most people take about 90 minutes to work through the scenario, though some finish faster and others take longer.
Your job is to encourage and support, not to teach cybersecurity. KC7 handles all the technical instruction - you just create a positive environment for learning.
About "A Scandal in Valdoria"
Your first event will feature our flagship cybersecurity scenario: a mysterious security incident in the fictional Kingdom of Valdoria. Participants take on the role of digital investigators, analyzing real security logs and data to uncover what happened.
The scenario is carefully designed for beginners - no prior cybersecurity knowledge needed. Participants learn fundamental concepts like log analysis, pattern recognition, and threat hunting while following an engaging storyline. The game typically takes about 90 minutes, though participants can work at their own pace.
Everything runs in a web browser, so participants just need a computer with internet access. That's it.
What You Need to Get Started
To request an event, you'll need a free KC7 account and about 24-72 hours for approval. That's literally it for you as the host.
Your participants just need a computer with a modern web browser. No special software, no cybersecurity background, no technical setup required.
Common Questions
Do I need to be a cybersecurity expert? Not at all. KC7 is designed so the platform does the teaching while you focus on creating an encouraging environment. Many successful hosts come from education, HR, or community organizing backgrounds.
How many participants can join? We've successfully supported events ranging from small classroom groups of 10 to large corporate trainings with 500+ participants. The platform scales to whatever size you need.
What happens if participants don't finish the scenario? That's completely normal and fine! The learning happens throughout the investigation process, not just at the completion. Many participants find the journey more valuable than reaching the end.
Can I use this for ongoing classes or just one-time events? Both! Your KC7 account grows with you. After your first event, you can easily create additional games, set up multiple classrooms for different groups, and build a comprehensive cybersecurity education program.
Ready for More Details?
This quick guide gets you started, but you might want additional planning resources:
For more comprehensive event planning, including marketing templates and logistics guidance, check out our Full Planning Guide.
If you're planning to use KC7 in educational settings with ongoing classes, our Educator Resources provide curriculum integration ideas and classroom management tips.
Have questions or want to connect with other hosts? Join our Discord Community where you can get real-time support and share experiences with fellow KC7 hosts.
Start Your KC7 Journey
Ready to bring engaging cybersecurity education to your community?
Last updated