On Monday, Ivy Tech Community College of Valparaiso unveiled its new Cyber Security Operations Center and Awareness Lab. Utilizing state-of-the-art Cyber Range software from Israeli cyber security developer, Cyberbit, the lab offers high-level, hands-on training opportunities for students – fostering workforce development in one of the most in-demand industries across the country.
In the modern era, the need for powerful cyber security is ubiquitous as businesses and organizations of all kinds, from Mom & Pop shops to massive corporations and even entire governments, face attacks from continually evolving malicious actors. The new cyber lab utilizes Cyberbit’s software to train students as proactive, trustworthy security experts.
“About three years ago, there were attacks every 35 seconds. Today, we’re at every 11 seconds,” said Aco Sikoski, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College of Valparaiso. “The global cost on all these damages is going to be over $160,000 a second. However, right now we don’t have enough skilled workers to meet that demand. In the United States, there are over 465,000 open positions [in cyber security].”
The lab goes much further than simply offering a space for traditional textbook learning. With Cyberbit’s Cyber Range software, students will face simulations of real-life scenarios where their fictional client’s cyber security is being attacked. Chetrice Mosley Romero, Indiana’s Cyber Security Program Director, likened it to the training first responders receive.
“When you see a firefighter enter a burning building, you’re really hoping it’s not their first time dealing with fire,” Mosley Romero said. “When you go to the ER, you’re hoping it’s not the first time this person’s pricked someone with those darn IVs. You need someone with detective skills, you need someone who is going to hunt, who is excited to make a difference.”
With the opportunities afforded by the lab, students can earn certifications that will enable them to jump into the workforce and meet that pressing demand. Ivy Tech is also working with local agencies, including law enforcement, to provide them access to the lab and help develop the Region’s ability to address cyber threats.
At the head of the cyber lab is Rami Salahieh, Cyber Security Program Chair at Ivy Tech Community College of Valparaiso. He sees it as an opportunity to not only create opportunities for his students but also a chance to overhaul internet safety in the Region.
“This is a world-class educational opportunity that we’re providing here in Northwest Indiana,” said U.S. Representative Frank J. Mrvan. “Rami wants to see people able to compete and get on the job front because we have Cyberbit and Cyber Range as cyber security opportunities to go into that next generation of jobs in the world. We’ve got two gentlemen from the Army and the Department of Defense here today. That emphasizes how important it is for our region and the nation to understand the value of this investment.”
“You want to send your kids to our campus because we’re one of the most outstanding when it comes to cyber security,” Salahieh said. “This lab is going to change how we do cyber operations at Ivy Tech, and it’s thanks to Cyberbit and their partnership. We’re going to be training high schools, colleges, law enforcement agencies to help our community in fighting cybercrime, specifically human trafficking and child exploitation.”
To learn more about Ivy Tech Community College of Valparaiso, visit www.ivytech.edu/valparaiso.
