What is the state of cyber technical ranges, and what current software tools are used at each range?

The Cybersecurity and Information Systems Information Analysis Center (CSIAC) was asked to identify U.S. Department of Defense cyber ranges and the software tools used at these ranges. Cyber ranges are interactive environments that simulate an enterprise’s systems, network, software tools, and applications. These simulated environments effectively train and educate information and communication technology professionals on best practices with dynamic exercises that present real-time consequences. Because these ranges provide real-world platforms for training information and communication technology professionals against a large array of cyberattacks and cyberwarfare events, the need to review the current levels of resilience and robustness against new sophisticated cyberattacks, trends, technologies, and mitigation countermeasures has become increasingly more important. CSIAC conducted open research and supplied the inquirer with an informational overview of cyber ranges and their purpose. We also provided the inquirer with a summary of the state of cyber ranges in the last decade, the state of today’s cyber ranges, and contact information for a subject matter expert in our network who works directly with cyber ranges.