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.

Featured

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.

  • red brick school building with a large yellow "AI" sign above its main entrance

    New National Academy for AI Instruction to Provide Free AI Training for Educators

    In an effort to "transform how artificial intelligence is taught and integrated into classrooms across the United States," the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), in partnership with Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, and the United Federation of Teachers, is launching the National Academy for AI Instruction, a $23 million initiative that will provide access to free AI training and curriculum for all AFT members, beginning with K-12 educators.

  • laptop on a desk with its screen displaying numerous colorful educational app icons

    Survey Finds Majority of Schools Using 10 to 15 Educational Apps

    A new report points to the fragmented digital landscape of educational apps in use at schools and districts across the country.

  • laptop displaying AI-powered educational content

    Kira Introduces AI-Generated Lesson Tool

    AI company Kira has announced a new AI-powered lesson generation tool that it says delivers complete, standards-aligned lessons that are personalized to each student.