New Roguelike Game Uses MITRE ATT&CK to Teach Network Intrusion Concepts
Project RedTeam: Contract Offensive combines card-based gameplay with realistic cyberattack techniques to educate players on network security.
Key points
- The game uses procedurally generated networks and MITRE ATT&CK techniques.
- Players manage finances by completing objectives or executing ransom/exfiltration.
- A free demo allows unlimited playtime to test the tutorial and mechanics.
A new cybersecurity education tool, Project RedTeam: Contract Offensive, has launched with a free demo that allows players to engage in network intrusion simulations. According to a report on r/netsec, the project aims to teach adversarial techniques through a gamified experience that balances realism with accessibility.
The game operates as a card-based roguelike, similar in structure to titles like Balatro. Players assume the role of a red team operator tasked with breaching procedurally generated networks. The core mechanic involves using techniques mapped to the MITRE ATT&CK framework to achieve specific goals. Unlike traditional hacking simulations that can be slow or overly complex, this project focuses on a fast-paced loop where players must earn money to pay off debts after each contract.
Gameplay Mechanics and Educational Goals
The developer emphasized that the primary goal is to create a hacking game that remains meaningful for teaching intrusion concepts without becoming tedious. The gameplay loop requires players to make strategic decisions about how to generate profit during a run. Options include completing primary objectives, taking on side bounties, or choosing to execute exfiltration or ransom operations against targets.
This financial pressure adds a layer of resource management to the technical challenges. Players must decide how to be profitable while navigating the constraints of each procedurally generated network. The design intends to cover the various stages of an intrusion in a way that is entertaining but grounded in real-world adversarial behavior.
Accessibility and Demo Availability
A free demo is currently available, offering a tutorial and access to several contracts. According to the source material, there is no time limit on the demo, allowing players to engage with the mechanics as much as they wish. Early feedback indicates that some players are already dedicating significant time to the demo version.
The project targets a broad audience, aiming to make network intrusion concepts accessible to anyone interested in cybersecurity. By stripping away the complexity often found in serious hacking games, the developer hopes to lower the barrier to entry for learning about offensive security techniques.
What should you do?
Security professionals interested in offensive security training or threat modeling may find value in exploring the demo to understand how adversarial techniques are abstracted in this format. Organizations looking for novel ways to train junior staff on the MITRE ATT&CK framework could evaluate this tool as a supplementary learning resource. Users should ensure they are playing on isolated systems if the game requires any local execution or network configuration changes. Watch for official updates from the developer regarding content expansions or new technique integrations.
What to do and how to stay safe: Project RedTeam
- Review the free demo to assess the accuracy of the simulated attack paths against your organization's threat models.
- Use the game as a discussion starter for red team exercises, focusing on the decision-making aspects of resource management during an intrusion.
- Monitor the developer's updates for new content that aligns with emerging MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
- Ensure any local installation of the game is performed in a controlled environment to prevent unintended system changes.
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
Is Project RedTeam: Contract Offensive a real hacking tool?
No, it is a game designed to teach network intrusion concepts using MITRE ATT&CK techniques within a simulated, procedurally generated environment.
Can I play the game for free?
Yes, a free demo is available that includes a tutorial and allows unlimited playtime on several contracts.
What specific cybersecurity framework does the game use?
The game is built around using MITRE ATT&CK adversarial techniques against simulated networks.
