Purdue Launches Simulation Training Platform for Cybersecurity

Purdue University is collaborating with cyber defense company Cyberbit to create a cyberattack simulation program for career professionals. Using the Cyberbit Range software platform, Purdue will create a virtual model of an IT network, including servers, routers and applications, in which learners will able to develop their skills by facing simulated attacks such as denial-of-service or ransomware.

Purdue and Cyberbit will also work together to enhance the university's cybersecurity offerings through a division of Purdue's cyberTAP Technical Assistance Program. As part of the partnership, Purdue researchers will gain opportunities to study the most effective techniques to teach cybersecurity skills.

In addition, Cyberbit will aid in the development of a joint Information Technology Security Lab at Purdue that will be focused on studying protocols used in traditional IT infrastructures and exploring ways to defend organizations against cyber attacks.

"The demand for experienced professionals with the mindset needed to integrate cybersecurity throughout the product design process and to respond to cyberattacks far exceeds the supply. Cyberbit's expertise in simulated cybersecurity lab environments makes it a uniquely qualified partner to help us bridge this gap," said Dan Hirleman, Purdue's chief officer for corporate and global partnerships.

More information about the Purdue Cyber Range can be found here.

About the Author

Sara Friedman is a reporter/producer for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe covering education policy and a wide range of other public-sector IT topics.

Friedman is a graduate of Ithaca College, where she studied journalism, politics and international communications.

Friedman can be contacted at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @SaraEFriedman.

Click here for previous articles by Friedman.


Featured

  • glowing crystal ball with network connections

    Call for Opinions: 2026 Predictions for Higher Ed IT

    How will the technology landscape in higher education change in the coming year? We're inviting our readership to weigh in with their predictions, wishes, or worries for 2026.

  • digital book with circuit patterns

    Turnitin and ACUE Partner on AI Training for Educators

    Turnitin is teaming up with the Association of College and University Educators to create a series of courses on AI and academic integrity designed to help faculty navigate the responsible use of AI in learning and assessment.

  • Hand holding a stylus over a tablet with futuristic risk management icons

    Why Universities Are Ransomware's Easy Target: Lessons from the 23% Surge

    Academic environments face heightened risk because their collaboration-driven environments are inherently open, making them more susceptible to attack, while the high-value research data they hold makes them an especially attractive target. The question is not if this data will be targeted, but whether universities can defend it swiftly enough against increasingly AI-powered threats.

  • Red alert symbols and email icons floating in a dark digital space

    Google Cloud Report: Cyber Attackers Are Fully Embracing AI

    According to Google Cloud's 2026 Cybersecurity Forecast, AI will become standard for both attackers and defenders, with threats expanding to virtualization systems, blockchain networks, and nation-state operations.