CyberPups Training Lab
A safe, hands-on space to practice staying safe online — guided by Bear, Azula, and Cypher.
Not Sure Where to Start? Try This Beginner Mission.
This first mission is designed for anyone who feels a little rusty with technology. No timers, no grades — just a calm walkthrough you can do at your own pace.
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Step 1: Browser Check (5 minutes)
Learn which browser you’re using, how to tell if a website is secure, and where pop-ups usually appear. -
Step 2: Password Tune-Up (10 minutes)
Pick one important account (email or bank) and learn how to create a stronger passphrase for it. -
Step 3: Spot a Fake Message (5 minutes)
Walk through a sample “suspicious” email or text and practice saying: “I’m not clicking that until I’m sure.”
When the full lab launches, this Beginner Mission will become an interactive guided flow. For now, it gives you a clear, simple starting path.
How the CyberPups Training Lab Works
The internet can feel confusing, overwhelming, and honestly… a little scary sometimes. That’s why we built the CyberPups Training Lab — a safe practice space where you can learn by seeing and doing, instead of just reading.
- 🐾 Short, simple lessons – No long manuals. Just quick, focused topics.
- 🎯 Real-world scenarios – Based on real scams targeting seniors and families.
- ✅ Step-by-step guidance – The CyberPups walk you through every click.
- 💬 Plain language – No tech degree required.
Browser Hijack Basics
A “hijacked” browser is what happens when pop-ups, fake warnings, and strange toolbars start taking over your screen. It’s scary — but fixable.
- What it looks like: sudden pop-ups, loud “warning” messages, or pages you didn’t ask for.
- What NOT to do: don’t call phone numbers in pop-ups, don’t click “fix it now,” don’t panic.
- What to practice: closing bad tabs, checking the address bar, and safely resetting your browser.
In the full Browser Hijack Lab, Bear and Azula will guide you through a fake “infected” browser so you can practice the safe way to clean it up — before it ever happens in real life.
What You’ll Be Able to Practice in the Lab
Phishing Email Simulator
Learn how to spot fake emails pretending to be from banks, stores, or family members. See real vs fake examples and practice saying, “Something doesn’t feel right… I’m not clicking that.”
Browser Hijack Lab
See what a “hijacked” browser looks like, learn which pop-ups to ignore, and practice the safe way to close bad tabs and reset your browser with Bear and Azula as your guides.
Preview the BasicsPassword Power-Up
Turn weak passwords into strong, easy-to-remember passphrases and understand why reusing the same password everywhere is so risky.
Scam Calls & Text Messages
Walk through fake tech support calls and suspicious shipping texts. Learn safe responses: hang up, verify, block, and report.
CyberPups Games & Missions
Help Cypher clean up Glenwood’s computer, outsmart the phishing pigeon, and lock down your accounts with fun, memorable missions.
Featured Mission: “The Glenwood Computer Incident”
Glenwood fell asleep with his computer on… and now the browser is full of pop-ups, fake warnings, and shady programs. In this mission, you’ll see how browser hijacks start and walk through a safe, step-by-step cleanup together with Cypher and the CyberPups.
Mission Coming SoonSafe. Private. No Shame. No Scolding.
We don’t track what you “get wrong” or sell your information. This Training Lab is here to protect you, not judge you. Every question is welcome. Every step forward counts.
What’s Coming Next to the Training Lab
- Interactive phishing email simulator
- Scam voicemail & robocall library
- “Is this safe?” click-through exercises
- Printable emergency checklist for families
- Dark web & data breach awareness guide
Ready to Start Training with the CyberPups?
Whether you’re here for yourself, a parent, a grandparent, or someone you love — you’re in the right place. Pick a topic that matters most to you and start there. No pressure. No rush.