Why Las Vegas needs a cyber range!

The job growth in the cybersecurity field has been significant in recent years and is expected to continue. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, the increasing number of cyber threats and the growing reliance on technology and internet-connected devices has led to a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals.

On average, in the United States, the median salary for a cyber security professional is around $95,000 per year. However, salaries can range from around $70,000 to over $150,000 for more experienced and highly skilled professionals. Developing and retaining these professionals provides multiple advantages to our community.

As communities look for economic diversification, cybersecurity provides a robust opportunity as these skills are in demand locally as well as nationally. Nevada and specifically Las Vegas needs to be a leader in this technology vertical as cybersecurity is critical to our infrastructure and to our economic base. We need to be builders and make the appropriate investments in developing the workforce of tomorrow. A cyber range could provide a funnel of opportunity propelling our region and promoting the State of Nevada and Las Vegas as leaders in cybersecurity training. With the College of Southern Nevada and University of Nevada-Las Vegas offering cybersecurity programs, the adoption and creation of a cyber range becomes increasingly important, if we are to retain and provide real world experience to this next generation workforce.

Nevada has a large technology footprint with companies such as Switch , Tesla , 苹果 , 谷歌 , Motional , 亚马逊 , NTT DATA , Cox Communications , AT&T , Lumen Technologies , Link Technologies and others. As well as new companies such as TERBINE , halo.car , Lets Rolo (acquired by LifeKey) , ChargerGoGo , Terranet Communications, LLC and others. All of which need cybersecurity professionals. Plus we host Black Hat MEA , DEF CON and let's not forget about CES and a host of other technology related conferences. Nevada is where technology is always on display.

Developing this workforce would create economic opportunities beyond local employment as cybersecurity companies would migrate to Nevada as they look to recruit talent. Additionally, Nevada is also home to 16 military bases which could be a source of new trainees. What better way to help those that have served our country but to provide a pathway to a new career. The cyber range could be a source of opportunity on improving skills as well as an opportunity to retain these individuals in our community.

Cyber Ranges: Advancements in Cybersecurity Training and Simulation

The rapid advancement of technology has brought about the rise of the digital age and increased dependency on the internet and other interconnected systems. As a result, the need for cybersecurity has become more important than ever. In order to mitigate the increasing number of cyber threats and attacks, individuals and organizations must be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, prevent, and respond to these threats. One of the most effective ways of achieving this is through the use of cyber ranges.

What are Cyber Ranges?

A cyber range is a virtual environment that simulates real-world cybersecurity scenarios. It is a platform that provides individuals and organizations with hands-on training and practice in detecting and responding to cyber threats. These environments mimic real-world networks and systems, allowing users to learn how to detect and respond to cyberattacks in a safe, controlled environment. The main purpose of cyber ranges is to provide individuals and organizations with the skills and knowledge necessary to prevent and respond to cyber threats, thereby enhancing their overall cybersecurity posture.

Advantages of Cyber Ranges

There are several advantages to using cyber ranges for cybersecurity training and simulation. Some of the most significant benefits include:

1. Real-World Simulation: Cyber ranges provide individuals and organizations with a safe, controlled environment to simulate real-world cybersecurity scenarios. This allows users to gain hands-on experience in detecting and responding to cyberattacks, thereby enhancing their overall knowledge and skills.
2. Scalability: Cyber ranges can be scaled to meet the needs of individuals or organizations of any size. This allows organizations to tailor their training and simulation to their specific needs, thereby ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle a variety of cyber threats.
3. Flexibility: Cyber ranges can be designed and configured to simulate a wide range of cyber threats and scenarios, including both simple and complex attacks. This provides individuals and organizations with the flexibility to design and configure their training and simulation to meet their specific needs and requirements.
4. Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to traditional, in-person training and simulation, cyber ranges are much more cost-effective. This makes them an ideal solution for organizations that are looking to enhance their cybersecurity posture, but have limited budgets.
5. Accessibility: Cyber ranges can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making them accessible to individuals and organizations around the world. This allows organizations to train their employees and partners from anywhere, at any time, thereby reducing the cost and time required for travel.

In conclusion, cyber ranges are an effective and efficient solution for enhancing the cybersecurity posture of individuals and organizations. They provide hands-on training and simulation in a safe, controlled environment, thereby allowing users to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to detect and respond to cyber threats. Cyber ranges offer several advantages over traditional training and simulation methods, including scalability, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility. As the number of cyber threats continues to increase, the use of cyber ranges will become increasingly important in ensuring that individuals and organizations are well-equipped to prevent and respond to these threats.

Who is ready to partner and develop a cyber range in Las Vegas, the opportunity is now. Our community is strong and the need for these professionals is greater than ever.