Hunt Hackers.
Build Your Cybersecurity Career.

Learn to stop real cyberattacks by investigating actual breach scenarios.

No sign-up required Works in any browser Takes 30-60 minutes

KC7 Cyber Detective Illustration

Trusted by cybersecurity professionals worldwide

100K+

Analysts Trained

3M+

Questions Answered

200+

Events Hosted

100%

Free To Play

What is KC7?

KC7 is a game that teaches cybersecurity. You investigate realistic breaches by analyzing actual logs and data. No textbooks, no lectures. Just real investigations.

Here's how it works:

1

Get a Real Scenario

You're dropped into an actual breach. A company's been hacked and needs your help. Read emails, check login records, and investigate suspicious files to figure out what happened.

2

Follow the Evidence

We guide you through analyzing the data using KQL, the same query language used at top companies. You'll spot phishing emails, trace suspicious logins, and track down attackers.

3

Solve the Mystery

Answer questions to prove what happened. Each solved case builds your investigative instincts. After a few cases, you'll start to think like a professional SOC analyst.

See KC7 in Action

Watch how investigators hunt down attackers in a real KC7 case

Trusted by Security Professionals

Real results from real people who've used KC7 to launch their cybersecurity careers

"I found out about KC7 through a speaker presentation that was given at my school, and it has been nothing short of life-changing. I love how accessible it is, and how it breaks down complicated cyber topics into digestible, fun and engaging labs! It is because of KC7 that I've gotten into the cybersec field, so thank you for making such an incredible tool."

Clarisa Ortega
Student

"KC7 is an amazing platform that I always recommend to students I mentor and to anyone looking to transition into cybersecurity. It’s difficult to truly simulate what it feels like to work in a SOC or investigate a real world security incident, but KC7 comes remarkably close. KC7 provides realistic, hands-on investigation scenarios that help users build critical analytical and technical skills in a safe, guided environment. It’s one of the few platforms out there that combines hands on skills and is accessible across different experience levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to strengthen your investigative mindset, KC7 is a must-try resource. I highly recommend incorporating it into your learning journey."

Kuleni Shewakena
Security Consultant

"KC7 took my interest in cybersecurity and turned it into an obsession, all while offering a fun way to grow my skills to support investigations in the real world. It's the platform, and community, that has had the single greatest impact on my professional skillset. I can't thank the team enough for making this so accessible!"

haxo1ot1
Security Analyst

"KC7 allowed me, someone with no technical background, to experience what it’s like to be an investigator and fight for the blue team in a gamified, engaging way. The modules quickly became the highlight of my day. I’d spend hours getting lost in the logs, researching techniques, and catching the cultural references — all while genuinely having fun. I was so focused on “playing the game” that I didn’t even realize how much I was learning. Fast forward less than six months from being introduced to KC7, and I found myself working in a real SOC!"

Trey Hopkins
Cybersecurity Specialist

"When people ask about getting skills to work in cyber, I recommend they use KC7. When I feel like I need to brush up on my skills, I use KC7. I know no other platform with this amount of content available and so practical. I confidently tell people that if they use KC7, they'll have confidence in their own skills that they need to get into cybersecurity or advance in their career."

Squib
malware analyst, contributor

"KC7 has played an incredible role in my transition into cybersecurity. The platform gave me hands-on experience investigating realistic cases like ransomware, lateral movement, and brute-force attacks, all while learning to use tools like VirusTotal and CyberChef. Adding KC7 to my resume has also been a huge plus, it comes up in interviews all the time, and people love hearing about it. I highly credit it for the offers I’ve received. Overall, it’s helped me feel confident that I belong in this field and has truly fueled my passion for cyber."

ethiocipher

Common Questions

Do I need cybersecurity experience?

No. KC7 starts from scratch. If you can read and click, you can investigate. We explain every concept as you go. No prior knowledge of cybersecurity or coding required.

How much does it cost?

For players? Free. Always. KC7 is a nonprofit dedicated to making cybersecurity education accessible to everyone. If you can donate, it helps us reach more people.

How long does a case take?

Beginner cases take 30-60 minutes. Intermediate cases take a few hours. Professional-level investigations can take days to fully complete. You can pause and resume anytime. Your progress is saved automatically.

What will I actually learn?

You'll develop both tangible technical skills and intangible judgment skills. On the technical side: how to query logs with KQL, spot phishing attacks, track malware, and investigate suspicious activity. On the judgment side: pattern recognition, investigative reasoning, and knowing when to dig deeper or move on. This is the secret sauce that most people don't get until years into their career. View full curriculum

What Makes KC7 Different

Unlike textbooks or generic CTF challenges, KC7 uses proprietary datasets that replicate real adversary behavior

Real Attack Techniques

Every scenario is based on MITRE ATT&CK techniques, the same tactics used by actual threat actors.

Story-Driven Learning

Instead of dry exercises, you investigate believable breaches with characters, stakes, and plot twists. You're not just learning. You're solving mysteries.

Used Worldwide

Trusted by universities, Fortune 500 companies, and government agencies for training analysts. You're learning with the best.

Educators & Corporate Trainers

Host your own KC7 event for students or security teams. No cybersecurity expertise required. The platform handles everything.

Host an Event

Latest Insights

Stay updated with cybersecurity trends and KC7 news

KC7 Foundation Honored with Fayette County Public Schools 2025 Golden Apple Award
September 15, 2025
KC7 Foundation Honored with Fayette County Public Schools 2025 Golden Apple Award

KC7 Foundation is proud to announce that it has been awarded the by Fayette County Public Schools FCPS , recognizing...

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September 02, 2025
Making the most of KC7

Dear New KC7 Player, Welcome to KC7. We re glad you re here. Starting your cybersecurity journey can feel exciting...

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KC7 Inducted into Microsoft Garage Wall of Fame!
April 10, 2025
KC7 Inducted into Microsoft Garage Wall of Fame!

We re excited to announce that , our gamified cybersecurity training platform, has been inducted into the...

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Sponsors

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