TULSA, Okla. — The University of Tulsa announced the launch of Oklahoma's first cyber range, aiming to bolster state cybersecurity and train the workforce for the growing field of cyber defense. The initiative, unveiled on Tuesday, makes the Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute (OCII) the hub for testing and enhancing cybersecurity measures across various organizations.
Located on the TU campus, the cyber range has the distinct advantage of being cloud-based, allowing its services to be accessible beyond the university's physical location. With $12 million of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) through the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology, coupled with matching contributions from the George Kaiser Family Foundation, the OCII Cyber Range is positioned to cement its role as the frontline of cyber defense training.
State Representative Meloyde Blancett (D-Tulsa) highlighted the potential return on investment for this project, stating, "Our investment of $12 million will pay itself back many many many times over." Such remarks underline the urgency felt by officials for adequate safeguarding against the ever-increasing frequency of cyber threats.
This innovative range provides organizations with the tools to identify vulnerabilities and implement strategies to combat potential cyber threats before they become crises. The mayor of Tulsa, Monroe Nichols, expressed optimism about the initiative, noting how proactive measures could prevent cyber intrusions. "I think the cool thing is taking a proactive step to not only build the expertise and excellence but preparing the next workforce for ensuring the challenges we’ve had here...to mitigate those dangers," Nichols said.
David Keely, interim executive director of the OCII, described the functionality of the cyber range, stating it will replicate live cyber attacks to test weaknesses and develop strategies for enhanced security. "We can determine weaknesses, we can figure out ways to improve their security," noted Keely.
The ramifications of cyber breaches are severe, especially for small businesses. According to Keely, the average cost of such breaches for large enterprises exceeds $4 million, and 60% of small businesses facing ransomware attacks shut down within one year. This grim statistic demonstrates the financial necessity for organizations to utilize the newly launched resource.
Recalling the cyberattack his city endured, Mayor Nichols acknowledged the significance of the cyber range as part of broader cybersecurity strategies. “But I’m also thinking about the broader geopolitical things, like questions of war and peace, and to know my alma mater and the city I love helps address those issues is just the coolest thing,” he remarked.
The OCII Cyber Range also plans to extend its reach through collaborations with government agencies, consultants, and small businesses to maximize the range’s practical applications. The initiative aims to eventually introduce mobile cyber range units directly to high school and middle school classrooms, creating new pathways for education and training. "We are training a body of people who can stop those kinds of cyber predators," Blancett emphasized.
Looking ahead, the first mobile units for the cyber range are scheduled to be operational by Fall 2025, with outreach plans targeting both high school and middle students. This expansion not only seeks to address current vulnerabilities but also strives to prepare the next generation for future challenges in cybersecurity fields.
For those interested in becoming part of this educational effort, enrollment for the first cohort set to begin in Spring 2025 is now open, with the registration deadline set for December 30, 2024. This opportunity marks the beginning of what officials hope will be a transformative approach to tackling cyber threats and fostering talent within Oklahoma's workforce.
Overall, the launch of Oklahoma's first cyber range signifies more than just technological advancement; it symbolizes the state's commitment to cybersecurity and the proactive steps being taken to safeguard its businesses, local governments, and communities.