Cyber range definition
A cyber range is a virtual simulation space for training in cyber warfare and software development. It gives a safe and controlled setting for IT and cybersecurity experts to learn, practice, and build plans for dealing with cyber threats.
The goal of a cyber range is to give cybersecurity teams a chance to interact directly with simulated harmful situations. This allows them to practice their reactions to a range of attacks without putting their actual systems in danger.
Cyber range uses
- Training. A cyber range lets cybersecurity professionals practice their skills. Like a rehearsal space, it helps them learn about, prevent, and respond to cyber threats in a setting that feels real but is controlled. They can practice things like finding security gaps, investigating cyber incidents, and managing security breaches.
- Testing. Organizations can use a cyber range like a testing ground for new cybersecurity tools and approaches before they apply them to real situations. This allows them to make necessary adjustments before fully rolling them out.
- Cybersecurity research. Researchers can use cyber ranges like labs to study harmful software and hacker methods. This helps them develop new ways to defend against these types of threats.
Cyber range types
- Static cyber ranges are like online training rooms configured for specific situations or systems. Once they're set up, they remain the same unless manually changed. They're effective for standardized training or software testing.
- Dynamic cyber ranges are adaptable and flexible, allowing real-time modifications. They can mimic a wider variety of situations and adapt to the user's actions, providing a more realistic experience. They're used for more complex training, testing, or simulations.
- Physical cyber ranges are setups with actual hardware and networks. They offer the most realistic simulations but can be expensive and hard to modify or scale. They're useful for testing specific hardware or network configurations.
- Virtual cyber ranges are entirely digital, simulating networks and systems in software. They're cheaper and easier to adjust than physical ranges and can be used for everything from training to software testing to major network simulations.
- Distributed cyber ranges run across multiple machines or locations. They're used for large-scale simulations, testing distributed systems, or training exercises involving many teams or organizations.
- Closed cyber ranges are isolated from other networks. The goal is to reduce the risk of a real-world impact from the simulated activities. They're used when testing dangerous malware or cyber attacks.
- Open cyber ranges allow interaction with external networks or the internet. They feel more like real-world situations, but they need strong security to prevent simulated attacks or vulnerabilities from leaking into the real world.
