The National Cybersecurity Center (NCC) was pleased to host a virtual ribbon cutting for the Colorado Cyber Range. As part of the Colorado Cyber Resource Center (CCRC), the NCC was excited to launch the Colorado Cyber Range in January 2022 and held a virtual ribbon cutting on March 2, 2022 at 9am MT. The event featured video remarks from U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (CO). We were also pleased to share share remarks from Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Colorado State Joint Technology Chair Representative Brianna Titone, Colorado Joint Technology Vice Chair Senator Jeff Bridges, and live remarks from NCC CEO Harry Raduege, Lt. Gen USAF.
WATCH THE VIRTUAL RIBBON CUTTING HERE
The virtual cyber range is accessible from anywhere in Colorado and is available to K-12 students and adult learners alike. The goal of the range is to increase cybersecurity workforce education and development in Colorado, and to upskill existing cybersecurity and IT professionals in order to make Colorado the most resilient state in the country against cyber threats.
“I want to thank the Colorado Whole of State Working Group – local and state government participants who work tirelessly to improve Colorado’s cybersecurity ecosystem,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis. “It began with a dream of a statewide Cyber Range, and you’ve made it a reality. Because of the work of the Whole of State Working Group and the newly launched Colorado Cyber Resource Center, we look forward to building on that success and fighting cyber threats.”
“The Colorado Cyber Range will equip Coloradans of all ages and backgrounds with the tools they need to thrive in the 21st century, and help grow our cyber workforce, which becomes more critical to the security of our state and nation by the day,” said U.S. Senator from Colorado Michael Bennet. “Congratulations to NCC on this exciting endeavor.”
“Colorado is one of the fastest growing states in the country and the need for a vigorous cybersecurity workforce could not be clearer,” said Mayor John Suthers of Colorado Springs. “The Colorado Cyber Range will increase the accessibility of cyber education across our state regardless of location or educational background.”
The Colorado Cyber Range is a great opportunity for any Coloradan looking to figure out if cybersecurity is a path for them, or to increase their skills in a constantly evolving field. This tool will be critical in the Colorado Cyber Resource Center’s mission to help Colorado’s local governments, school districts, and critical infrastructure towards a more cyber-secure future.
“I’m excited to see the launch of the Cyber Range which will give students a chance to learn how to adapt and respond to cybersecurity challenges that they may face in their future careers,” said Colorado State Joint Technology Chair Representative Brianna Titone “This is a creative and effective way to get young folks in this much needed career path.”
“We have a huge need for more folks working in cybersecurity here in our state,” said Colorado State Senator Jeff Bridges. “Having this open and accessible range will give a starting point to Coloradans interested in filling those good-paying and in-demand jobs, and a great place for those already working to hone their skills. It’s also an easy way for local governments to train up their IT staff on ways to reduce threats and identify bad actors attempting to disrupt the lives of Coloradans. We’re lucky to have this new resource available here in our state, and I’m excited to see how folks across Colorado put it to use.
“As one of the fastest growing states in the country, Colorado needs a robust cybersecurity workforce, but lately demand for cyber engineers has far outpaced our supply. The Colorado Cyber Range will make cyber education more accessible across the state,” John Hickenlooper, US Senator from Colorado.
WATCH THE VIRTUAL RIBBON-CUTTING HERE
About the National Cybersecurity Center
The National Cybersecurity Center (NCC) is a non-profit organization established for cyber innovation and awareness. Established in 2016 from the vision of United States Senator from Colorado John Hickenlooper, in coordination with several people from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) and the community, the NCC serves both public and private organizations and individuals through training, education and research. Discover NCC at cyber-center.org.
