Utica University awarded $150,000 grant to support construction of new Cyber Range

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Utica University awarded $150,000 grant to support construction of new Cyber Range

Rendering of the Utica University Cyber Range

“With a cyber range, our students will be introduced to the latest cyber threats confronting organizations today and methods to mitigate the damage."

George I. Alden Trust has awarded Utica University a $150,000 grant to support construction of a new cyber range located in Bull Hall.

A cyber range is a controlled, interactive space where cybersecurity students can learn how to detect and mitigate cyber attacks while using professional technology. Most importantly, cyber ranges allow for safe training. Students can collaborate with professionals to practice responding to various security threats, test incident plans, and work on a response team.

“A cyber range at Utica University will be instrumental in teaching the next generation of cybersecurity specialists,” said Leslie Corbo, Director of Undergraduate Cybersecurity Programs at Utica University. “We have always been at the forefront of cybersecurity education, and this range will afford students the opportunity to have real-world, hands-on experience that is ‘baked into’ our curriculum.”

Located on the second floor of Bull Hall, Utica University’s 1,300 square foot cyber range will have 20 mobile computing stations that will allow for individual and team activities. Conversational style seating will create a more personal, intimate setting between students and faculty. The large open floor plan will support auditorium-style seating for up to 16 people.

The cyber range will also have a video wall. Distance learning students will be able to participate in cyber range activities through video conferencing and the University’s learning management systems.

“With a cyber range, our students will be introduced to the latest cyber threats confronting organizations today and methods to mitigate the damage,” Corbo said. “Every Utica University student will use the cyber range, so knowledge from the classroom will be directly applied to the realistic challenges facing the cybersecurity landscape today.”

Utica University is still actively fundraising for the cyber range, and this grant will not support the project in its entirety. The opening date of the cyber range is to be announced.

Utica University is a national leader in cyber education. Students in the Cybersecurity program can learn from accomplished faculty members that offer a wealth of real-world knowledge in the industry. The program offers three key specializations: Cyber Operations, Digital Forensics and Incident Response, and Cybercrime and Fraud Investigation.