University of Maine at Augusta Opens Maine Cyber Range Training Facility
Senator Angus King and Chancellor Dannel Malloy Join in Ribbon Cutting
This unique, hyper-realistic cyber range training facility at UMA will provide hands-on cybersecurity education and simulated training for cybersecurity students and professionals.
AUGUSTA–The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) officially opened its Maine Cyber Range which is designed to serve as a training center for both students and professionals. Senator Angus King, UMS Chancellor Dannel Malloy, and Cyberbit COO Gilad Weitman joined UMA President Rebecca Wyke for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Senator King is Chair of the recently launched bipartisan Cyberspace Solarium Commission seeking to build a consensus approach to defend the United States in cyberspace, including the creation of a cyber-doctrine to meet this new age of conflict and threats.
“As our 21st-century world becomes increasingly interconnected, we need a new generation of workers who are prepared to help Maine people embrace the new possibilities and defend themselves against the new threats that come with our smartphones, tablets, and connected appliances and vehicles,” said Senator King. “I remain concerned that a future attack on America could result in a digital disaster at the hands of a bad actor hacking our vital infrastructure. Through hands-on education and cutting-edge research, the Maine Cyber Range will be an asset not only to Maine students but also to local businesses and organizations as we work to navigate this new digital world together.”
The Maine Cyber Range (MCR), powered by Cyberbit Range technology, is a training and simulation center providing hands‐on experience for cybersecurity degree students at UMA and integrating Cyberbit Range simulation scenarios into the cybersecurity curriculum. The MCR will enhance cybersecurity education at UMA, producing better-prepared students available to enter into the growing computer and information technology positions that require a background in cybersecurity.
Additionally, the MCR will be a state-of-the-art training center for current information technology and cybersecurity professionals at large and small businesses and government agencies seeking realistic and cutting-edge techniques for defending against malicious cyber-attacks. Training opportunities include large‐scale exercises and capture the flag environments. Students and trainees will face simulated live cyber-attacks that will allow them to build their skills on how to best detect, stop, and remediate cybersecurity incidents.
“In keeping with our educational philosophy, the Cyberbit technology provides an immersive, hands-on experience that simulates a real-world Security Operations Center and leverages real-world security and network infrastructure,” stated Henry Felch, UMA Associate Professor of Cybersecurity and Computer Information Systems. “Trainees use market-leading, commercially licensed security products, while a sophisticated attack generator runs a wide range of attacks providing the disruptive cybersecurity experience that professionals in these positions face every day.”
“We are delighted to work with UMA to open the first Cyberbit Range in New England,” said Adi Dar, CEO of Cyberbit. “UMA understands that cyber defense is equal parts thought and action, which is why hands-on training is so effective. Its decision to use Cyberbit Range to align its academic and professional development curricula is both visionary and practical, and we are excited to help prepare UMA-trained students for the realities of a cyberattack.”
“The opening of this training center continues UMA’s mission of providing quality educational opportunities that help fill workforce needs with well-trained graduates for in-demand, highly skilled positions,” said President Wyke. “The Maine Cyber Range training center will also be available to businesses, organizations, and government entities seeking to advance the skills of their current employees and enhance their current cybersecurity efforts.”
The Maine Cyber Range is designed to be a resource to all Universities within the University of Maine System, and colleges, municipalities, and businesses in Maine and across New England.
For more information about the Maine Cyber Range, please contact UMAcyber@maine.edu.
UMA’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program incorporates a multidisciplinary perspective through a combination of courses that offer a holistic approach to cybersecurity education by providing the opportunity to take courses not only in computer science and technology but also in the humanities, social sciences, and ethics.
The BS in Cybersecurity received the National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) designation from the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which recognizes curricula that meet the stringent academic standards of the CAE-CD program.
Beginning in Fall 2019, a Certificate of Graduate Study in Cybersecurity will be offered jointly by UMA and the University of Southern Maine. All courses for this graduate certificate are provided online.
UMA transforms the lives of students of every age and background across the State of Maine and beyond through access to high-quality distance and on-site education, excellence in student support, civic engagement, and professional and liberal arts programs.
Cyberbit is the world-leading provider of cyber range training and simulation platforms, and the only provider of detection, response, automation, and orchestration products across both IT and OT networks. Since founded in mid-2015 Cyberbit’s products were rapidly adopted by enterprises, governments, academic institutions and MSSPs around the world. Cyberbit is backed by Elbit Systems (NASDAQ: ESLT) and Claridge, and has offices in Israel, the US, Europe, and Asia. Follow Cyberbit on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter (@CYBERBITHQ).
Learn more about the Cyberbit Range platform or email sales@cyberbit.com.