Utica University receives grant for cyber range plans

UTICA, N.Y. — Utica University received a $150,000 grant from the George I. Alden Trust to build a new cyber range in Bull Hall.

A cyber range is a controlled, interactive space where cybersecurity students can safely learn how to detect and mitigate cyber attacks using professional technology. Students can also 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,” Director of Undergraduate Cybersecurity Programs Leslie Corbo said in a press release. “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.”

The 1,300-square-foot range will be located on the second floor of Bull Hall and include 20 mobile computing stations that allow for individual and team activities. The open floor plan includes auditorium-style seating for up to 16 people as well as conversational-style seating areas. A video wall will allow distance-learning students to participate in range activities through video conferencing.

“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.”

The grant will not cover the entire project cost, and the university is actively fundraising for the project.

Utica University’s cybersecurity program offers specializations in cyber operations, digital forensics and incident response, and cybercrime and fraud investigation.