Heartland Cyber Range

Written By Robbie Thiessen

A Pioneering Cybersecurity Training Solution by DDSP

In an era where cyber threats evolve rapidly, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals is critical. The Heartland Cyber Range, designed and developed by DDSP in collaboration with EnterpriseKC, addresses this challenge by providing a cutting-edge, virtual training environment. Launched to bolster cybersecurity education, defense training, and technology research, the Heartland Cyber Range is a cornerstone of EnterpriseKC’s mission to establish a Regional Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Kansas and Western Missouri. This case study explores the development, impact, and innovative features of the Heartland Cyber Range, highlighting its role in addressing the region’s cybersecurity workforce shortage and fortifying digital defenses.

The Challenge: A Growing Cybersecurity Talent Gap
The Kansas and Western Missouri region faces a significant shortage of cybersecurity professionals, with over 12,000 unfilled positions, two-thirds requiring a college degree. Nationally, the U.S. grapples with approximately 466,000 vacant cybersecurity roles, underscoring a critical need for trained talent. Cyber-attacks are intensifying, targeting industries, critical infrastructure, and individuals, with no sector immune. The region required a solution to train a diverse, skilled workforce capable of combating these threats while fostering inclusivity and accessibility, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

The Solution: Heartland Cyber Range
EnterpriseKC, a business-led nonprofit focused on enterprise development and innovation, partnered with DDSP, a technology vendor with over 200 years of combined experience in wired, wireless, and software-driven IP data solutions, to create the Heartland Cyber Range. This virtual, interactive platform simulates real-world networks, systems, and applications, offering a safe environment for cybersecurity education, hands-on training, and research. The Cyber Range serves multiple user groups, including students, industry professionals, researchers, and government entities, enabling them to practice defending against current and emerging cyber threats.

Key features of the Heartland Cyber Range include:

  • Real-World Simulations: The platform replicates realistic cyber environments, allowing users to engage in practical exercises like attack detection, malware emulation, and system defense testing.

  • Learning Management System (LMS): The LMS helps learners develop and demonstrate employer-valued competencies, providing employers with tools to verify skills.

  • Research and Development Hub: Researchers use the Cyber Range to test innovative cybersecurity technologies and products, fostering advancements in the field.

  • Accessibility and Inclusivity: Designed to be accessible via an internet connection, the Cyber Range creates opportunities for rural, urban, and underserved communities, promoting equitable access to cybersecurity training.

  • Certification and Workforce Development: The platform supports training and certification programs, such as the Google Cybersecurity Certificate, preparing users for high-demand roles.

Implementation and Impact
The Heartland Cyber Range was integrated into various educational and professional initiatives across the region. For instance, Great Bend High School in Kansas introduced a cybersecurity elective course in 2024, leveraging the Cyber Range for simulations and skill-building. Funded by a $10 million Kansas Department of Commerce grant, the course is offered at no cost to students, with completers earning a Google Cybersecurity Certificate and potential job opportunities with EnterpriseKC. Similarly, EnterpriseKC collaborated with Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) to engage students in cybersecurity career exploration, hosting events like the “Cracking the Code to Cyber Careers” STEM Career Day.

The Cyber Range has also partnered with academic institutions like William Jewell College, which uses the platform to enhance its cybersecurity program. Students gain hands-on experience through simulated environments, preparing them for careers in a field with virtually zero unemployment. Additionally, the Cyber Range supports regional workforce development by connecting learners to EnterpriseKC’s Talent Platform, which includes tools like the Assessment Tool and Talent Exchange to match talent with industry needs.

Results and Outcomes
Since its launch, the Heartland Cyber Range has made significant strides:

  • Workforce Development: The platform has trained hundreds of students and professionals, helping to fill the region’s 7,000+ open cybersecurity jobs.

  • Community Engagement: Initiatives like the JAG-K partnership and rural programs through the Northwest Kansas Innovation Center have reached diverse audiences, creating pipelines for underrepresented groups.

  • Innovation and Research: The Cyber Range has facilitated cutting-edge research, enabling the development of new cybersecurity solutions and strengthening regional defenses.

  • Economic Impact: By fostering a skilled workforce and attracting cybersecurity investment, the Cyber Range contributes to economic prosperity in Kansas and Western Missouri.

Conclusion
The Heartland Cyber Range, designed and developed by DDSP, is a transformative solution addressing the cybersecurity talent shortage and enhancing regional resilience. By combining real-world simulations, accessible training, and robust research capabilities, the Cyber Range empowers individuals, strengthens organizations, and protects critical infrastructure. As EnterpriseKC continues to expand its Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, the Heartland Cyber Range stands as a model for innovative, inclusive, and impactful workforce development, ensuring the region is prepared for the evolving cyber threat landscape.

 

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Robbie Thiessen