The MassCyberCenter has awarded Salem State University $624,437 to establish and operate a cybersecurity training facility, or cyber range, on its campus.
The grant is part of the state’s Security Operations Center (SOC)/Cyber Range Initiative, a program managed by MassTech’s MassCyberCenter that aims to help build a diverse generation of cybersecurity professionals through education, training, and workforce development. The award was made by the Healey-Driscoll Administration and announced this week.
University President John Keenan said Salem State is “grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the MassCyberCenter for selecting us for this important partnership. This type of investment and collaborative professional relationships are a win-win for everyone involved.”
“The virtual and physical space will provide students with the opportunity to gain skills and practice strategies to help address, mitigate and prevent cyberattacks, a growing concern across all sectors,” Keenan said. “Like our nursing and occupational therapy simulation labs, the Cyber Range will imitate real world problems for students to solve in real time. Once it is established, we look forward to partnering with regional external agencies, municipalities and private companies who may benefit from the education and training this resource will provide.”
“Massachusetts is committed to leading in cybersecurity and ensuring that all communities have the skills, resources and capacity to protect their businesses and residents,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Congratulations to Salem State on this award and their efforts to grow the cyber workforce.”
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Salem’s 50th and second-longest serving mayor as well as a Salem State alum, said she was “proud of the work the university is doing to teach students criminal cybersecurity skills.”
“Cybersecurity affects every part of our community whether you are a small business, elementary school or local government office,” Driscoll said. “The more cybersecurity professionals we have, the more we can ensure our communities are protected online.” Salem State’s facility will operate as a member of CyberTrust Massachusetts, a non-profit that is managing a consortium of college and industry partners across the state.
“Salem State will join Bridgewater State University, Springfield Technical Community College and MassBay Community College as another critical node in our statewide network of cybersecurity educators,” said John Petrozzelli, director of the MassCyberCenter. “The establishment of this Cyber Range will grow the cybersecurity talent pipeline in the region and continue to build on the MassCyberCenter’s strategy of integrated cyber defenses.”
The award will support capital expenditures to construct the cyber range and expenditures for the first year of operations.
"Salem State understands cybersecurity in today's innovative environment by joining MassCyberCenter,” said State Sen. Joan Lovely. “With this action, the university will prepare its students for the ever-changing economic environment with this important step."
“I would like to congratulate Salem State on securing this crucial funding and for joining MassCyberCenter to continue to enhance cybersecurity in our Commonwealth,” said State Rep. Manny Cruz. “By bringing the cyber range on campus we will be able to train the next generation of cyber security experts and to ensure that students at Salem State University have access to the economic mobility that the cybersecurity industry provides.”