Virtual Lab Environment Cyber.org Range Launched to Make K–12 Cybersecurity Skills Training Available Nationally
- By Kate Lucariello
- 11/30/22
The
Cybersecurity
and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the
Cyber
Innovation Center (CIC) in Louisiana, along with
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, have announced the expansion of
Cyber.org’s
new virtual lab environment, Cyber.org
Range, available to teach cybersecurity skills to all
K–12 students nationwide free of cost through a Cybersecurity
Education and Training Assistance Program (CETAP)
grant.
A
cyber Range is a cloud-based safe and controlled virtual environment
with access to the internet, but secure from private networks, to run
virtual machines in a web browser. Students practice cybersecurity
concepts, explore back-end IT systems in current use, and run labs to
get hands-on practice with real tools to defend against cyber
attacks. Cyber.org’s Cybersecurity
year-long course includes 150 topics, including cyber
law and policy, Linux, networking technology basics, risk assessment,
cryptography, and a variety of other tools. Upon completion, students
can take the CompTIA
Security+ certification exam. This can help prepare
them for intermediate-level jobs in the cybersecurity field.
“To
meet the cyber threats of the future, we need to start by preparing
for them today,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly. “That’s why
CISA is so thrilled to partner with Cyber.org, Governor Edwards, and
the State of Louisiana in opening the CYBER.ORG Range at the Cyber
Innovation Center. Early cyber education is critical to our national
security, and tomorrow’s cybersecurity professionals are sitting in
today’s classrooms.”
The
Cyber.org Range program will be piloted through the end of 2022.
Visit the Cyber.org
Range page to learn more or to apply to be part of the
pilot program.
About the Author
Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.