A Deadly Parallel Between Squid Game and Cybersecurity
Netflix's Squid Game took the world by storm with its brutal portrayal of survival games, but beyond the intense drama lies an unexpected parallel to the world of cybersecurity. Just like the games in Squid Game, cybersecurity attacks exploit weaknesses, test resilience, and eliminate the unprepared. In this blog, we will map each of the six iconic Squid Games to a real-world cybersecurity attack with the most accurate comparisons.
Red Light, Green Light – Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)
In the first game, players must stop immediately when the robot says "Red Light." The robot represents an Intrusion Detection and Prevention System (IDPS), monitoring network traffic and halting any suspicious activity. Players who fail to comply are "eliminated," just like malicious activities are blocked.
Lesson: Implement robust IDPS tools to monitor and respond to suspicious activities in real-time.
Dalgona Candy – Social Engineering Attacks
The Dalgona Candy challenge tests patience, precision, and composure under pressure. Similarly, Social Engineering Attacks manipulate human behavior to extract sensitive information. The attacker creates pressure and urgency, making victims more likely to fall for scams.
Lesson: Educate employees about social engineering tactics and ensure verification processes for sensitive actions.
Tug of War – Brute Force Attacks
Tug of War relies on strength, persistence, and teamwork to overpower the opponent. Similarly, a Brute Force Attack uses repeated attempts to guess passwords or encryption keys until successful.
Lesson: Use complex passwords, enable account lockouts, and implement multi-factor authentication.
Marbles – Insider Threats
The Marbles game reveals themes of trust and betrayal, where players are betrayed by those they trust most. This mirrors Insider Threats, where an internal team member may intentionally or unintentionally leak sensitive information.
Lesson: Implement strict access controls, monitor internal activity, and establish whistleblower policies.
Glass Stepping Stones – Zero-Day Exploits
In the Glass Stepping Stones game, players must step onto glass panels without knowing which one will shatter. Similarly, Zero-Day Exploits target vulnerabilities unknown to the software vendor, making them highly unpredictable and dangerous.
Lesson: Conduct frequent vulnerability assessments, apply software patches, and use advanced threat detection tools.
Squid Game Finale – Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
The final Squid Game tests endurance, patience, and strategy over a prolonged period—mirroring Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). These attacks involve sophisticated attackers who maintain long-term access to systems without being detected.
Lesson: Employ continuous monitoring, threat intelligence tools, and cybersecurity frameworks to detect and prevent prolonged attacks.
Conclusion: Lessons from Survival to Cybersecurity Resilience
Each Squid Game mirrors a cybersecurity attack that tests the preparedness and resilience of organizations. By understanding these parallels, businesses can fortify their defenses, educate their teams, and stay vigilant.
Which Squid Game moment do you think best represents a cybersecurity challenge?
Share your thoughts below!
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