The Security Onion
It's all about the layers!
The Core Concept Cybersecurity, like an onion, requires multiple protective layers working together. There is no such thing as a “silver bullet” for defense. This project turns complex security concepts into a 100% free, interactive ecosystem. Created by a tech veteran using AI, it’s designed to make both cybersecurity awareness and physical health part of your daily routine.
For a quick rundown on the EcoSystem click to read the TSO Briefing.
The Connection Your journey starts with a single free account, giving you access to every game. We use a “Play to Progress” approach fueled by Compute Cycles (CC)—our universal in-game currency.
Earn CC: Answer daily trivia in Threat Command, play strategy games, or track your real-world steps in Walking Layers.
Spend CC: Use your earnings to buy card packs in Digital Duel, upgrade your digital Onion, or influence the weekly faction wars.
Cross-Play: Everything is connected. CC earned on your phone while walking is ready to spend when you log in on your desktop.
Your Daily Mission To get the most out of the ecosystem, follow the “Daily Loop”:
The Daily Drill: Log into Threat Command to answer IT-related questions and grab your daily CC bonus.
Move to Win: Let Walking Layers track your steps. Your physical activity advances story narratives and generates “back-end support” for the digital layers.
The Faction War: Use your CC to deploy firewalls or launch exploits to help your side win the weekly Attacker vs. Defender event.
Power in Numbers: TSO Squads Why play alone when you can lead? Join or create a Squad to take your engagement to the next level:
Collective Impact: Squads pool their resources to dominate the Faction War. A well-coordinated group can shift the entire security landscape of the Onion.
Professional Visibility: Playing within a Company or Friend group is the ultimate “proof of work.” It offers a transparent leaderboard where your consistent daily scores and technical knowledge are on full display to your peers and management.
The Human Firewall: For companies, Squads transform boring “compliance training” into a competitive, active defense culture. It’s a fun way to prove your team is sharp, active, and ready for real-world threats.
Strategic Combat: Use your rewards to build a deck in Digital Duel and challenge other players in asynchronous card battles.
Join the Community The Security Onion is a one-man passion project built for the community.
Step 1: [Create your Account] to start earning CC.
Step 2: Pick a Layer below to start your first mission.
Step 3: Join the conversation. We value your feedback! Use our feedback form to suggest new “layers” or report bugs.
Support the Mission: If you enjoy the games, consider “buying a coffee” for the dev to help keep the servers running and the layers growing.
Invite Your Team! Want to bring your colleagues or friends into the Onion? We’ve made it easy. Click below for suggested invite templates to send via email.
Subject: Suggestion: A new way for us to stay sharp on Cyber Awareness
Hi,
I’ve recently been using a platform called The Security Onion (TSO). It’s a 100% free ecosystem that gamifies cybersecurity awareness and IT knowledge through daily trivia, faction-based events, and even physical activity tracking.
I was thinking it would be great to start a Company Squad. It’s a fun, low-friction way for us to:
Stay consistent with our daily security knowledge.
Foster some healthy competition through internal leaderboards.
Showcase our team’s technical expertise in a global “Attackers vs. Defenders” meta-game.
It’s built by an IT veteran and doesn’t cost the company anything. If you’re interested, you can check it out here: https://thesecurityonion.co.uk
Let me know if you want me to set up the Squad!
Subject: Are you still a tech nerd? (Check this out)
Hey,
I just found this project called The Security Onion and immediately thought of you. It’s basically a connected universe of games—daily trivia, strategy games, and a card battler—all themed around cybersecurity.
There’s even a fitness layer called Walking Layers that uses your actual steps to play through stories. I’ve already done about 10k steps on it!
I’m putting a Squad together so we can climb the leaderboards and take on the weekly faction wars. It’s free and a great way to stay sharp. Join my squad and let’s see if you’ve still got it.
Sign up here: https://thesecurityonion.co.uk
Headline: Gamifying Cyber Awareness: Who’s in?
I’m diving deep into The Security Onion, a brilliant project that turns cybersecurity education into a multi-layered game ecosystem.
From daily technical drills in Threat Command to physical health goals in Walking Layers, it’s the most engaging way I’ve found to keep my skills sharp.
I’m looking for a few more players to join my Squad. It’s a great way to stay visible in the community and prove we know our stuff while having a blast.
Join me here: https://thesecurityonion.co.uk #CyberSecurity #TSO #Gamification #TechCommunity
Ready to get started……. click Layer 1 to create and use your TSO account. Click the other layers for more infomation on what they offer.
The heart of the Onion. Answer IT trivia, earn CC, and lead your faction in the weekly global war.
Strategic card combat. Build your custom deck with CC and outmaneuver rivals in asynchronous battles.
Infrastructure survival. Prioritise patches and deploy security controls to survive incoming waves of threats.
Logic and speed. Identify malicious patterns in a high-speed typing race against the clock.
High-level strategy. Manage your global security posture and deploy universal protective tools.
Physical security. Convert your real-world steps into CC and branching narrative progress.
COMING SOON
Feedback
All feedback is welcomed as it helps to understand what elements are engaging and what areas need attention.
Please click to submit your FEEDBACK
Brads900
I have been playing The Security Onion games since they started and have found them to be both fun and engaging.
Tom
As a fan of working with A.I. it is great to see how people can quickly advance in their visions.
PointyHydra
Everything about this platform is designed to be fun and engaging whilst giving players skills and knowledge that can be applied in the real world to build a good understanding of a proven approach for effectively defending against cyber threats. This should be in schools and organisations.
Lucy
Really enjoy playing Digital Duel, there needs to be a larger player base.
Get In Touch
Your feedback is a vital layer of this project. If you have ideas, suggestions, or comments about The Security Onion games, I would love to hear them. Please get in touch.