A cyber range is a virtual environment that companies can use for cyber warfare training and software development. These complex IT environments allow companies to practice handling specific real-world scenarios, train employees and customers on the latest threats, and they are essential for combating modern cybercrime.
Cyber ranges are being actively used by the military and government agencies, private corporations (software development and in cybersecurity), and other private entities with a focus on cybersecurity.
According to the Herjavec Group, cybercrime is defined as the “greatest threat to every company in the world.” They estimate that cybercrime will have cost the world nearly $6 trillion by 2021, double the $3 trillion total in 2015.
The company noted that the majority of cybercrime includes damage and destruction of vital data, lost productivity, theft of intellectual property, stolen money, loss of sensitive financial data, fraud, embezzlement, and the disruption of normal business activities.
In 2017, credit reporting agency Equifax experienced one of the largest publicly disclosed breaches in history. This breach led to over 145 million compromised customers having their personal information and social security numbers leaked.
Now more than ever, companies must develop suitable solutions for dealing with cybersecurity threats. Cyber range training is one of the best ways for a company to prepare itself and its customers to face these threats.
With cybercrime on the rise, there’s a legitimate need for additional training to train corporations and government agencies to handle major threats as they appear.
Virtual cyber ranges offer many advantages that can help your organization prepare itself to deal with potential threats. These advantages include:
There are a variety of reasons why a company may look to implement their own cyber range. Cloud-based solutions tend to be more popular because of the flexibility they provide. On-premise cybersecurity labs are viable, but are a more costly option.
If your company is looking to deploy a cyber range, you will want to consider what your needs are. There are many specialized providers that offer dedicated cyber ranges, virtual IT labs, and other platforms that are capable of servicing your cybersecurity needs.
A cyber range includes virtual environments, network configurations, and security tools to simulate real-world cybersecurity scenarios. It allows repeated testing and training in a controlled, secure setting.
Cyber ranges are ideal for the military, government agencies, and private corporations that need to train employees or test security protocols. They also benefit anyone focused on cybersecurity training and threat management.
On-premise labs are more expensive due to infrastructure and maintenance costs, while cloud-based cyber ranges are more cost-effective. Cloud-based options allow businesses to pay only for the resources they use, offering scalability and flexibility.