- Key Takeaways :
- As cybersecurity threats grow more complex, training must evolve. Generic solutions fall short in addressing unique organizational challenges. Exercise-driven Cyber-Ranges provide realistic environments that prepare teams for real-world threats.
- By focusing on Operational Technology (OT) and industry-specific models, TAC ensures its training develops adaptable skills for anticipating, detecting, and responding to cyber events with precision.
- Cybersecurity isn’t one-size-fits-all. Tailored, model-driven Cyber-Ranges are key to building strong defenses. Looking ahead to Hack-the-Airport in late 2024, TAC remains dedicated to advancing cybersecurity expertise and keeping organizations ahead of digital threats.
Cybersecurity is Not One-Size-Fits-All: Why Tailored Approaches Matter
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, there’s a persistent myth that a single solution can fit all industries and scenarios. The truth, however, is much more complex. Cybersecurity challenges are different across industries, sectors, and even individual organizations.
This means there is no universal cyber framework that applies to everyone.
- Network traffic patterns, observables, and system behaviors differ drastically from one industry to another.
- Likewise, the impact of cyber incidents—such as damage to operational processes—can vary significantly. What may cause a minor disruption in one organization could be catastrophic in another.
Because of this variability, there is no one-size-fits-all analysis method that can address every cyber incident. Each scenario requires its own tailored approach to evidence interpretation, reasoning, and policy enforcement.
Tailored Cyber-Ranges vs. Generic: Why Authenticity Matters in Training
Because of these differences, there is also no generic Cyber-Range (a virtual training environment) that can provide authentic experiences for every organization. Cyber-Range training environments must be tailored to the specific needs, technologies, and defense strategies of an individual company.
Each organization faces unique cyber threats based on its infrastructure, operations, and industry context. Thus, to be effective, a Cyber-Range must simulate attacks and defense strategies that are highly relevant to that specific organization. A general-purpose Cyber-Range would fail to provide the depth and relevance needed to prepare teams for real-world threats.
TAC’s OT Cyber-Ranges for Authentic Cybersecurity Training
The TAC focuses on Cybersecurity for Operational Technology (OT) by using a domain-driven approach. It uses authentic models to deliver relevant training to teams and students. The process starts by hosting a Cyber Exercise or Competition based on these models, followed by hands-on training for cyber operator teams. These teams include both RED-team attackers and BLUE-team defenders.
This method helps participants understand the specific technology, products, and operational behaviors in their domain. It also requires cyber operators to learn the details of each modeled subsystem, like wiring, control strategies, and monitoring systems. This provides a repeatable way to understand how OT systems work and how to collect the right information to monitor for cyber events effectively.
Over the years, TAC has developed authentic models that support Cyber Exercises using smaller training ranges called ‘SKIDS.’ These exercises are part of the Hack-the-Universe series, which includes competitions like:
- Hack-the-City
- Hack-the-Port
- Hack-the-Building
- Hack-the-Building/HOSPITAL Edition
- Currently, developing Hack-the-Airport for late 2024
Interested in how cyber range training can elevate your organization’s cyber defense efforts?
Contact us today to learn more about TAC’s advanced training solutions including our Cyber Range Environments.
Stay up to Date with our cybersecurity exercises & events at The TAC
The Ultimate Ground for Industrial Control Systems Training : TAC’s Adega Airport Cyber Range
Written by
Steve Hutchinson
Director of Research, Test & Evaluation, Technology Advancement Center