In recent years, online scams have proliferated, with phishing being one of the most common threats faced by internet users. To address this growing concern, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has developed the "On Guard Online" platform, which includes an interactive game designed to educate users about phishing scams. This article presents an observational study of this game, focusing on its educational value, user engagement, and potential for raising awareness about phishing attacks.
The "On Guard Online" game allows users to navigate through a series of simulated email scenarios where they must identify phishing attempts. Players are presented with various email messages, some of which contain genuine content while others are designed to deceive. The objective is to recognize the red flags associated with phishing attacks, such as suspicious links, generic greetings, and urgent requests for GOOGLE DELETE PHISING personal information.