- What is a cyber range
- Cyber range development
- Why states develop cyber ranges
- Future of cyber ranges
- Examples of cyber ranges
- FAQ
As the cyber threat environment grows more intense, industry and government groups tasked with cyber defense are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit and hire trained security professionals.
Having a degree in cybersecurity is usually not enough to give an individual the skills required for mitigating sophisticated attacks. This requires training in realistic breach scenarios.
Unfortunately, day-to-day work in cybersecurity offers few opportunities for such training on the job.
A cyber range offers a solution. Modeled on the physical shooting ranges used by police and the military, a cyber range creates a training space that simulates a wide range of security incidents, so cybersecurity professionals can practice and learn how to respond effectively.
This article explores how cyber ranges work and why states are committing to the cyber range to bolster their security postures.
What is a cyber range?
Imagine a virtual training ground meticulously designed to mimic real-world IT infrastructures, complete with networks, systems, applications, and even simulated user activity. This, in essence, is a cyber range.
Cyber range is a controlled and isolated environment where cybersecurity professionals and aspiring individuals can practice detecting, preventing, and responding to cyber threats without impacting live production systems.
Think of it like a flight simulator or a mock operating room, enabling safe experimentation, learning from errors, and skill development under pressure. Cyber ranges vary in complexity, from focused virtual labs to elaborate environments simulating enterprise networks.
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The range also contains learning management components (A “Learning Management System,” or LMS). An LMS enables both instructors and students to make measured progress through a defined training program.
The LMS may also connect with what is known as an “orchestration layer” that connects specific parts of the curriculum with the underlying IT assets that comprise the range.
For example, if the instructor wants to simulate an attack that features data exfiltration, the orchestration layer translates these attack parameters to the data and network components of the cyber range.
The student can then experience the simulated exfiltration attack and apply his or her defense techniques. The range’s underlying infrastructure might include a network, storage, compute (servers), as well as switches, routers, firewalls, and so forth.
In some cases, the range is built using an open-source platform like OpenStack. A virtualization layer helps reduce the range’s physical footprint. Some ranges are partly or fully cloud-based. The range’s “target infrastructure” simulates the actual digital assets that might be subject to a cyberattack.
The target may consist of “real-world” commercial products, e.g., Microsoft Windows Server. Such accuracy is important, as it enables instructors to gauge whether a student has mastered the skills needed to repel an actual attack. The instructors can then provide feedback in real-time.
Beyond training, cyber ranges are useful for people and organizations that wish to experiment with new cyber defense technologies.
They can use the range as a safe place to solve complex cyber problems. They can test new ideas and see how teams interact with emerging cybersecurity solutions.
Sample Cyber Range Scenarios
- Incident Response Drills: Teams can practice identifying, containing, and eradicating simulated cyberattacks, such as ransomware or data breaches, improving their coordination and response times.
- Penetration Testing Exercises: Ethical hackers can hone their skills in identifying vulnerabilities and exploiting weaknesses in simulated systems, learning advanced attack techniques and defensive countermeasures.
- Security Tool Training: Professionals can gain hands-on experience with various security tools and technologies, such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS), and forensic analysis tools.
- Vulnerability Assessment and Remediation: Participants can practice identifying security flaws in simulated applications and infrastructure and learn the proper techniques for patching and hardening systems.
- Tabletop Exercises with Technical Implementation: Combining strategic discussions with practical execution, teams can simulate attack scenarios and then implement their planned responses in the cyber range.
- Team-Based Cyber Defense Competitions (Capture The Flag): Cyber ranges provide the platform for competitive events where individuals or teams test their skills in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities and defending against attacks. For example, a scenario might involve a vulnerable web server that teams need to both attack and defend.
- Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Training: Specialized cyber ranges can simulate the unique challenges of securing critical infrastructure, allowing professionals to practice defending against attacks targeting operational technology.
Drivers of cyber range development
1. The Growing Cybersecurity Skills Gap – Organizations use cyber ranges to assess the skills of their existing teams and potential hires, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring they have the necessary expertise to defend against modern threats.
2. The Escalating Sophistication and Frequency of Cyber Attacks – Cyber ranges allow for the simulation of complex, real-world attack scenarios, enabling security teams to practice their response strategies and improve their readiness.
3. The Need for Realistic and Hands-On Training – Theoretical knowledge alone is insufficient in cybersecurity. Professionals need practical experience in dealing with live-fire simulations to develop the necessary muscle memory and decision-making skills for real incidents.
4. The Importance of Team Collaboration and Communication – Cyber ranges facilitate team-based exercises, fostering collaboration, communication, and the sharing of knowledge among security professionals. These platforms allow “Red Teams” (attackers) and “Blue Teams” (defenders) to engage in realistic scenarios, improving their ability to work together during actual security incidents.
5. Regulatory Compliance and Industry Standards – Many compliance certifications (e.g., NIST, ISO) and insurance policies now mandate cybersecurity training and incident response preparedness. Cyber ranges help organizations meet these requirements by providing a platform for demonstrable training and exercises.
6. The Rise of Advanced Technologies – The increasing adoption of cloud computing, AI, Machine Learning (ML), and IoT introduces new security challenges. Cyber ranges are evolving to simulate these complex environments, allowing professionals to train in securing these modern technologies. AI and ML are also being integrated into cyber ranges to create more dynamic, adaptive, and realistic attack simulations.
7. Cost-Effectiveness of Training – Compared to the potential financial and reputational damage caused by real cyberattacks or training on live systems, cyber ranges offer a cost-effective solution for building and maintaining cybersecurity expertise. Cloud-based cyber range solutions are further reducing the infrastructure costs associated with these training environments.
Examples of cyber ranges in use today
A wide variety of organizations are building cyber ranges for several different use cases. These include educational institutions that are offering curricula in cybersecurity.
Corporate security training programs are major users of cyber ranges. Some use ranges to test prospective cybersecurity hires. Others still are testing new products on cyber ranges.
National Cyber Range Complex (NCRC): Operated by the Department of Defense Test Resource Management Center, the NCRC is a large-scale, distributed cyber range infrastructure with facilities in multiple locations (e.g., Orlando, FL; Charleston, SC). It supports cybersecurity testing, evaluation, research, development, and mission rehearsal for the DoD, government, and industry partners.
U.S. Cyber Range: This initiative, supported by various government agencies and academic institutions, aims to provide a low-cost cyber range alternative for education and training, utilized by universities and other educational bodies across numerous states.
Cyber Ranges operated by specific branches of the U.S. Military: Different branches like the Army, Navy, and Air Force likely maintain their own cyber ranges for training and readiness exercises tailored to their specific operational needs.
Cyber Ranges for Critical Infrastructure: Government agencies like CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) may support or collaborate with industry-specific cyber ranges designed to train personnel in securing critical infrastructure sectors like energy, finance, and healthcare.
Immersive Labs: This company offers cloud-based cyber ranges with a focus on realistic, hands-on training and skill development. Their platform allows organizations to use pre-built scenarios or create custom environments.
Cyberbit: A leading provider of cyber range platforms, Cyberbit offers immersive simulation environments for training security teams in incident response, threat detection, and other critical skills, often incorporating real-world security tools.
Cloud Range: This provider offers “Cyber Range as a Service,” delivering customizable, live-fire cyber attack simulations and training programs for security teams, with options for various industries and team sizes.
CYBER RANGES: This company provides a platform for cybersecurity learning, upskilling, and cyberdrills, offering a library of scenarios and capabilities to replicate corporate infrastructures. They also have a dedicated offering for US Federal agencies.
IBM X-Force Cyber Range: IBM offers cyber range services through its X-Force team, providing immersive simulations to help organizations prepare for and respond to cyber incidents. They have physical facilities and offer on-site and virtual experiences.
SANS Cyber Ranges: As a well-respected cybersecurity training organization, SANS Institute offers various cyber ranges as part of their courses and through platforms like NetWars, focusing on hands-on skill development in different cybersecurity domains.
Why are states developing cyber ranges?
Many US states are building their cyber ranges. The reasons vary, but aside from economic stimulus, which is one side benefit,
cyber ranges help states train people for work in defending their own vulnerable digital assets.
Indeed, states have suffered greatly from ransomware attacks and other threats in recent years. The ranges also help attract talent to work for state governments, which can have trouble competing with private industry when it comes to hiring security staffers.
States that have constructed cyber ranges include Florida, Arizona, Michigan, Georgia, Arkansas, and Virginia.
Georgia offers a good example. In 2018, the state started building a $35 million cybersecurity facility, which includes a cyber range. According to then-Governor Nathan Deal, who announced the project, cyber protection for Georgia’s people, businesses, and government institutions was a “paramount concern.”
According to GovTech.com, the cyber range will be available virtually as well as in-person, offering the ability to test technology, assess skills gaps in staff, and enable students to train in a safe environment.
Michigan has also created its own cyber range, which was set up for the purposes of cybersecurity education, testing, and training. The Michigan Cyber Range (MCR) is also used for research for researching security for new industrial control systems.
It functions as an unclassified private cloud with virtual servers running on a fiber-optic network. It has four physical locations across Michigan, all at university sites.
The vision for the MCR came from a former West Point professor who had contributed to the creation of the US Military Academy’s cybersecurity program. He was joined by a General from the Michigan National Guard.
Other former members of the military have been involved in running the MCR and designing its programs. MCR operates a site in conjunction with the Michigan National Guard.
The MCR’s virtual environment simulates the systems usually found in a city government, power company, or law enforcement agency.
Many different organizations take advantage of this environment, including the West Michigan Cyber Security Consortium (WMCSC), which performs red/blue teaming exercises in a simulated attack on a municipality. MCR also works with an NSA-accredited cybersecurity course and certification provider.
For years, the most popular course offering is the Certified Information Systems Security Officer class, a five-day, 40-hour program. Some courses take advantage of MCR’s “Alphaville” simulated city, which features a virtual town with a library, school, and city hall. Each of Alphaville’s simulated sites has its network, operating systems, and so forth.
The future of cybersecurity ranges
Cybersecurity, never easy, is becoming more challenging and serious. Organizations, from corporations to state governments, are struggling to find and train the personnel who will enable a robust cyber defense.
To remediate this talent gap, they are using cyber ranges to train and test potential employees. Cyber ranges are proliferating as a result.
In addition to education and training, cyber ranges play an important role in cybersecurity research and the development of new security products.
As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve in ever-more threatening ways, the cyber range will have a role to play in preparing cyber professionals to rise to the occasion of cyber defense.
Frequently asked questions
A cyber range is a virtual environment where organizations can practice their cybersecurity skills. It emulates real-world IT infrastructures, enabling individuals and teams to train on and respond to various cybersecurity threats.
Given the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, cyber ranges provide the US organizations and defense forces with essential training platforms to prepare for and counteract cyberattacks.
Cyber ranges offer realistic, hands-on training experiences, allowing professionals to encounter simulated cyber threats, refine their strategies, and improve their response times in a controlled environment.
Yes, many established providers in the US offer cyber range services, including Mitre Corporation, Palo Alto Networks, and Cyberbit, among others.
The costs can vary based on the complexity, scale, and specific requirements of the organization. Some providers offer cloud-based solutions that can be more cost-effective, while custom setups might have higher costs.
Sources
- Cybersecurity Workforce Gap | From CSIS in Apr 2025
- Cybersecurity Workforce Shortage Diminishes | From Bankinfosecurity.com in Apr 2025
- Georgia Cyber Center information | From Georgia.gov in Apr 2025
- Michigan Cyber Range info | From Govtech.com in Apr 2025