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.

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