SecureAcademy recently hosted its first-ever Global Cyber Range Challenge, a virtual event designed to provide cyber security students and enthusiasts with real-world, hands-on experience. With participants from 11 countries and 12 academic institutions, the event showcased the power of immersive learning using one of Cyber Park’s gamified experiences to prepare the next generation of cyber defenders. These experiences include Red Team-Blue Team, CTF-style cyber ranges, and introductory escape rooms. The cyber ranges serve as a “flight simulator” for cyber security professionals, providing a gamified, lifelike environment to test and refine their skills.
SecureAcademy, part of Infinity Global Services alongside Cyber Park, is committed to equipping future cyber security professionals with cutting-edge training, hands-on simulations, and globally recognized certifications. To help close the global cyber security skills gap, SecureAcademy has launched special programs that offer content and services valued at up to $60K, providing institutions with access to industry-leading training materials, hands-on labs, and certification opportunities.
This supports Infinity Global Services’ mission to strengthen security awareness and address workforce development challenges for both the present and future. By leveraging trusted expertise, IGS empowers organizations to enhance their security posture and develop the necessary skills to combat evolving cyber threats. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, SecureAcademy empowers students with the skills they need to combat emerging cyber threats effectively.
The Global Cyber Range Challenge: A Real-World Security Assessment
The participants at the event took on Cyber Park’s “Obsidian Vault” red team campaign. Set in Cyber Park’s simulated environment, the challenge required players to conduct a thorough vulnerability assessment of an exposed server to aid a company in identifying potential security risks. Starting with network scans, they gathered information on open ports, banner details, and service versions. Then, participants delved into specific vulnerabilities in services like SSH, Nginx, WordPress, and Drupal, using specialized tools like WPScan and Drupscan. By identifying these vulnerabilities, they helped prepare a detailed report for remediation to enhance the server’s security posture.
The competition featured two sessions, each producing a winner who demonstrated exceptional analytical skills, technical proficiency, and a methodical approach to ethical hacking. “I enjoyed participating in Check Point’s SecureAcademy Cyber Range challenge, as the platform provided a secure environment to practice essential skills for mitigating security vulnerabilities in systems,” said Kimberly M., an M.S. in Cyber Security student at New York University and one of the winners. “The challenges ranged from network scanning to conducting a security audit of a WordPress site. The gamified learning environment was a fun way to reinforce fundamental security concepts and become a better defender.”
Tornike T., the second winner and a B.A. in Information Technologies student at the Business and Technology University in Georgia, noted, “The challenge was very interesting and fun. The point system made it even more competitive, as everyone could see their ranking and wanted to be first. The challenge really tested who was best with the Linux command line and who could analyze the received information most efficiently.”
SecureAcademy’s Global Cyber Range Challenge marks an important step in cyber security education, emphasizing hands-on learning and practical problem-solving. As threats continue to evolve, initiatives like these ensure that students and aspiring professionals gain the critical experience needed to secure the digital landscape. If your company would like to host its own Cyber Range event, fill out our Cyber Range Event Form and meet our team to create a unique and engaging cyber-learning experience. Like all our IGS services, cyber ranges can be purchased using IGS credits, COOP funds, or credit cards.
About IGS
Check Point offers comprehensive managed security services through its Infinity Global Services. These services, used by 5,000 enterprise customers, include threat research, MDR, risk assessment, proactive monitoring, professional services, and top-notch training. IGS’ suite of cyber security services provides end-to-end protection – from initial assessment and design to ongoing training and optimization to rapid response – ensuring the highest level of security. Backed by world-class experts and real-time threat intelligence, the extensive range of services helps safeguard organizations of all sizes.
