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FAQ for Higher Education Institutions

What is the Heartland Cyber Range, and how can it benefit my organization?

The Heartland Cyber Range is a virtual learning and research platform that emulates real-world networks, systems, and applications. The Range serves as an interactive learning and assessment environment to improve practical cybersecurity skills and knowledge of real-world challenges. The Range also provides a threat simulation environment for cybersecurity research, new product development and product testing in a secure and controlled environment to help fortify our regional cybersecurity defenses so we can better protect our region’s citizens, enterprises, and critical infrastructure.

Competency Testing & Credentialing - Employers must understand the knowledge, skills and abilities employees and potential candidates possess. The Cyber Range provides employers with the analytic tools to know, with certainty that a competency has been obtained

Threat Analysis & Simulation - The Cyber Range offers a safe environment to help IT and cybersecurity staff evaluate an organization's defenses against malware, network updates, and other attack vectors. The Range also assists critical infrastructure groups in simulating operating environments and allows teams to strategize how best to handle the latest cyber threats.

What sets the HCR apart from competitors?

The state-of-the-art network that runs the Heartland Cyber Range provides for unparalleled performance and availability, and the ability to create custom scenarios and learning pathways are options not found in other ranges. Aside from content available for education and training, future phases will allow for red/blue/purple team simulations, virtual infrastructure overlays, and sandboxed environments for testing software, simulating cyberattacks, and evaluating security postures.

Is the HCR suitable for the size of my organization?

The HCR was designed to be accessible and beneficial to organizations of all sizes.

Here's how the HCR can be used effectively by all organizations, regardless of size:

  • The HCR was designed to be scalable, accommodating the needs of small, medium-sized, and large organizations. Organizations can tailor its usage to match the specific requirements of the organization.

  • The HCR can be customized to focus on the specific cybersecurity skills and knowledge your organization needs, ensuring that training aligns with your unique requirements.

  • Cyber threats and attacks don't discriminate by organization size. The cyber range offers a safe environment for all organizations to practice and prepare for real-world threats.

  • For smaller organizations with limited cybersecurity expertise, the HCR provides a structured and effective way to develop and enhance their team's cybersecurity skills.

  • Small organizations can also benefit from cost-effective plans that allow them to access valuable cybersecurity training and testing resources without breaking the budget.

Do you have case studies or testimonials from other organizations in our industry?

Yes, please visit Testimonials - Pending to review testimonials from other industry organizations.

Is the cyber range cloud-based or on-premises?

The Heartland Cyber Range is cloud-based and be accessed through a web-browser, so there is no need to purchase additional hardware.

What types of cybersecurity scenarios can be simulated in the cyber range?

The Heartland Cyber Range will allow hands on experience in the use of tools and software, and simulate real world scenarios to practice the knowledge gained from curriculum. In addition, it will allow for the following types of scenarios:

-Skills validation/upskilling for specific job roles

-Phishing attack awareness training

-Sandboxing for software testing

-CTF (capture the flag) challenges and competitions

-Cyberattack simulations

-Red/blue/purple team engagements

-Scalable research platform

Is the cyber range customizable to our organization's specific needs?

Yes, Phase II of the Heartland Cyber Range will allow organizations to customize their user experience while accessing the range. Organizations can create custom content and real-world scenarios to simulate the organization’s network environment.

What is the level of realism in the simulations?

The Heartland Cyber Range runs on a state-of-the-art platform which provides for seamless performance, no matter where it is being accessed from across the region. In addition, the ability to create custom scenarios and simulations allows for levels of realism not found on other ranges.

Can we simulate real-world cyber threats and attacks in the range?

Yes, Phase II of the HCR will allow organizations to create and simulate desired real-world cyber threats and attacks in our range.

How does the Heartland Cyber Range handle sensitive data and information security?

Data security and privacy is a core area of focus in the HCR user experience. All captured performance data is securely stored and transmitted, adhering to best practices and compliance standards to protect user information.

Is there a limit to the number of users who can access the cyber range simultaneously?

The HCR can currently support up to 7200 simultaneous users accessing the platform. If additional simultaneous users are needed, please contact the HCR staff.

What are the hardware and software requirements for accessing the Heartland Cyber Range?

To access the Heartland Cyber Range, users will need the following:

  • Internet Connection: The Heartland Cyber Range is browser-based, so a stable internet connection is essential. We recommend a broadband or high-speed connection to ensure a seamless experience.

  • Web Browser: Any modern web browser will work. Popular choices like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari are all compatible. Please ensure your browser is up-to-date for the best performance and security.

  • Computer or Device: Your students can use a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet, if it supports a compatible web browser. While a larger screen and full-sized keyboard are preferable for the best experience, the cyber range is designed to be responsive and usable on various devices.

Is training and support provided for users new to the Heartland Cyber Range?

Yes, the Heartland Cyber Range will include walkthroughs on how to best utilize the range, and documentation guides for best practices. The HCR staff will also be available to answer questions and support your organization after registering.

Can we track the progress and performance of our cybersecurity teams and individuals in the range?

Yes, performance from each user will be captured in the Learning Management System (LMS) and can be monitored by a training administrator.

What is the pricing structure for the cyber range?

To review the pricing for the Cyber Range, please review the HCR Pricing Page or contact the HCR to inquire for Enterprise licensing.

What kind of technical support and assistance is provided to users?

Users will have access to comprehensive technical support and assistance. We provide user documentation that offers clear and detailed instructions on how to navigate and utilize the cyber range effectively. Additionally, our staff will be readily available to assist users with any questions, concerns, or technical issues they may encounter during their use of the platform. Our support team is committed to ensuring a seamless and productive experience, making sure users have the resources and assistance they need to make the most of the cyber range.

What is the update and maintenance schedule for the cyber range?

The HCR will have carefully planned maintenance windows to minimize disruption and ensure the platform remains in peak condition. Users will be notified of scheduled maintenance well in advance so users can plan accordingly.

Is there a trial or demo version available for us to evaluate before committing?

Yes, the HCR will offer a free trial to organizations that would like to preview the range environment and features. To sign up, please visit the main cyber range page.

Are the specific operational hours for the Heartland Cyber Range.

The HCR will be always accessible, except for scheduled maintenance periods. These maintenance windows are carefully planned to minimize disruption and ensure the platform remains in peak condition. Our goal is to provide users with the flexibility to engage with the HCR whenever they need it, supporting continuous skill development and training without unnecessary downtime.

Can we define specific learning objectives and track progress towards those goals?

Yes, Phase II of the HCR will give organizations the ability to create custom learning pathways for employees. Admins can utilize the drag-and-drop feature to create pathways with available content from the HCR library. All user progress is tracked through the Learning Management System (LMS) for employers to review employee results and progress.