Virtual Lab Environment Cyber.org Range Launched to Make K–12 Cybersecurity Skills Training Available Nationally

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.

Featured

  • horizontal stack of U.S. dollar bills breaking in half

    ED Abruptly Cancels ESSER Funding Extensions

    The Department of Education has moved to close the door on COVID relief funding for schools, declaring that "extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion."

  • illustration of a human head with a glowing neural network in the brain, connected to tech icons on a cool blue-gray background

    Meta Introduces Stand-Alone AI App

    Meta Platforms has launched a stand-alone artificial intelligence app built on its proprietary Llama 4 model, intensifying the competitive race in generative AI alongside OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and xAI.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • robot waving

    Copilot Updates Aim to Personalize AI

    Microsoft has introduced a range of updates to its Copilot platform, marking a new phase in its effort to deliver what it calls a "true AI companion" that adapts to individual users' needs, preferences and routines.