Cut the Jargon: Why This Game Might Be the Security Game You Need to Play

Cut the Jargon: Why This Game Might Be the Security Game You Need to Play

The nonstop flood of cybersecurity acronyms is more than a nuisance.  It creates confusion that can weaken defenses. BeyondTrust’s new game, Acronym Overload, aims to fix that problem in a surprisingly effective way.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September 12, 2025

Think about the last time you sat in a security meeting. 

Someone probably said, “We need to shore up IAM, JIT, ZTNA, and ABAC” and you nodded along even though at least one of those terms was fuzzy. 

Most of us have been there. Acronyms dominate security conversations, but too many shortcuts can bury meaning. 

When clarity slips, risks grow.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Play the Acronym Overload game.

BeyondTrust has built a short browser game called Acronym Overload to bring the problem into focus. 

It feels playful, but the purpose is serious: to keep your team speaking the same language when it matters most.

What Is Acronym Overload?

The game is simple. 

Acronyms fall down your screen. 

Some are real, like MFA or SIEM. Others are made-up nonsense. 

Your job is to grab the real ones and avoid the fakes. Every wrong choice chips away at your lives.

It sounds lighthearted, but there’s a point. 

Misunderstanding acronyms can cause mistakes that ripple through operations. 

For example, mixing up JIT (just-in-time access) with a different concept could lead to over-permissioned accounts. 

The game highlights how often we think we know an acronym but don’t.

What You’ll Gain

• Sharper communication inside security teams
• A quick way to test and raise baseline knowledge
• Fewer costly mistakes caused by jargon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

On Desktop (Web)

1. Open your browser and go to BeyondTrust’s Acronym Overload: https://www.acronym-overload.com/
2. Play a round by catching valid acronyms and dodging fake ones.
3. Review the mistakes you made. 
4. Use the glossary provided to check correct definitions.

fig. 1 - BeyondTrust Acronym Overload

On Mobile (iOS / Android)

1. The game runs in any modern browser: https://www.acronym-overload.com/
2. Rotate to full screen for the best experience.
3. No dedicated app is available, but mobile play works fine.

Configuration Guide

• Glossary Access: BeyondTrust provides a glossary alongside the game. Keep it handy to double-check terms.
• Customization: Currently you can’t add your own acronyms. 
• Access: It is free and requires only a web connection. Share the link with your colleagues.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Quick to pick up, no setup required.
• Useful icebreaker for meetings or training sessions.
• Makes learning memorable through play.

Cons

• Limited depth; it points out confusion but doesn’t provide full training.
• No way to tailor acronyms for your organization.
• Easy for players to treat as a novelty rather than a learning tool.

Who Can Use It

• Availability: Free on BeyondTrust’s website.
• Requirements: Just a browser, desktop or mobile.
• Subscription: None needed.

Score

Criterion Score Reason

Value 8

It tackles a real communication issue that often gets ignored.

Usability 7

Anyone can play without training, but customization is missing.

Wow Factor 6

Fun and clever, but not a game-changer in depth.

Total: 21/30 - Good. Worth playing.

Key Takeaways

Acronym confusion can create serious risk.

Acronym Overload is a free, accessible way to surface knowledge gaps.

It works best as a supplement to training, not a replacement.

Try It Yourself

Play a quick round at your next team meeting. 

Compare scores, see which acronyms tripped people up, and use that as a springboard for discussion. 

Share your team’s experience in the comments, and subscribe to One Cool Tip for more daily insights.

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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