News Summary
Rhode Island College has unveiled a new cyber range classroom aimed at enhancing cybersecurity education. Equipped with IBM technology, the facility accommodates 24 users for hands-on training, simulating real-world cyberattack scenarios. This establishment represents Rhode Island College’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity skills among students and professionals, with funding from a state bond measure and plans for further upgrades to Whipple Hall by 2028.
Rhode Island College has officially unveiled a new state-of-the-art cyber range classroom designed for hands-on cybersecurity training. Located in the Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies, the cyber range leverages advanced IBM technology to provide an immersive learning experience for students.
The newly constructed classroom can accommodate up to 24 users at once, featuring four workstations, each equipped with six computers. At the front, a 24-foot-wide video wall is complemented by three smaller video displays placed around the room, creating an engaging visual environment for learners. The ceiling is designed for enhanced audio feedback with integrated microphones and speakers, while color-changing LED lights set the scene for various training scenarios.
This facility represents the third academic cyber range powered by IBM technology in the United States, solidifying Rhode Island College’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity education. The design allows students to partake in 40 different cyberattack simulations, which include real-world threats like malware attacks, phishing attempts, and ransomware. This immersive training environment mimics stress-filled scenarios that students may encounter during actual cyberattacks, highlighting the necessity of maintaining composure under pressure.
In an innovative twist, the classroom features red lighting that can signal an ongoing cyberattack. This signals students to spring into action, diagnosing the attack’s origin, mitigating it, and addressing any vulnerabilities in real time. Beyond benefiting students, the cyber range will also be accessible for professional training, allowing local industry partners to prepare their teams for current cybersecurity challenges.
The funding for the cyber range comes from a state bond measure approved by voters in 2024, which allocated $73 million for renovations at Whipple Hall, set to permanently house the Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies. This initiative is part of a broader plan, with additional upgrades to Whipple Hall expected to be completed by 2028. These improvements will include more cyber ranges, computer labs, collaborative workspaces, a security operations center, and dedicated faculty offices.
Rhode Island College has distinguished itself as the first institution in the state to offer a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence, while also hosting the only full-service cyber range in the state. The newly opened cyber range is integral to Rhode Island College’s expanding cybersecurity program, which aims to equip students with essential skills in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Furthermore, the facility enables local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to access cybersecurity training, broadening the program’s impact beyond the academic environment. The cyber range was designed by the Pawtucket-based firm LLB Architects, ensuring a modern and functional space tailored for cybersecurity education.
To ensure that the use of the cyber range remains secure, the network it operates on is isolated from the Rhode Island College network. This precaution prevents any potential malware spillover that could compromise other computers on campus. Students studying cybersecurity, along with those in fields such as artificial intelligence, computer science, and computer information systems, will have the opportunity to leverage the cyber range for practical learning.
The official opening of the facility was celebrated with a “powering up” ceremony that included state and university leaders, highlighting the growing need for enhanced cybersecurity education in response to increasing international cyber threats. The Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies was launched in 2023 and is chaired by former Congressman Jim Langevin, underscoring its significance in preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Rhode Island Current: New RIC Cyber Range Prepares Students
- Turn to 10: Rhode Island College Celebrates Opening of Cybersecurity Range
- WPRI: RIC Celebrates Opening of Cybersecurity Range
- PBN: Rhode Island College Opens New Cybersecurity Classroom
- Cybersecurity Dive: Hackers Leaked Rhode Island Ransomware
- Wikipedia: Cybersecurity
- Google Search: Cybersecurity Trends
- Google Scholar: Cyber Range Training
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cybersecurity
- Google News: Cybersecurity Education Updates
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