RangeForce, a new competitor in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program which is revolutionizing cybersecurity training, has announced a new partnership with the Black Cybersecurity Association (BCA) to provide hands-on cyber skills training to BCA members.
Enterprises need a combination of people, process and tools in order to build the cyber resiliency necessary to address modern cyberthreats.
Most organizations focus on tools, but breaches succeed not because security tools miss events, but because analysts miss alerts, lack the ability to recognize indicators of compromise or don’t have the required detection and response training.
RangeForce helps organizations achieve cyber resiliency by providing a metrics-driven platform that assesses strengths and weaknesses and trains and cross-trains staff so they can confidently address cyber threats with expertise, both individually and as a well-oiled team.
(RangeForce makes creating highly skilled cybersecurity defenders simple, flexible, and fast for all enterprises. Powered by the industry’s first SaaS-based, integrated cybersecurity simulation and virtual cyber range, we help customers operationalize a security training program in hours, saving up to 65% over traditional training and up to $1M annually on hosted cyber ranges. Courtesy of RangeForce and YouTube. Posted on Mar 24, 2021.)
RangeForce has developed the industry’s first integrated cybersecurity training platform and virtual cyber range that uses real IT infrastructure, tools and malware.
RangeForce cybersecurity training is 100% cloud based and can be performed remotely via web browser/login, which changes the old paradigm of traditional, time-consuming and expensive classroom-based cyber training.
Enterprises can now operationalize a SaaS-based cybersecurity training program in hours, which saves them up to 65% over traditional training and up to $1M annually on hosted cyber ranges.
RangeForce’s interactive training programs use gaming techniques that provide competitive incentives and simulate actual IT/security environments for self-guided learning, certification and team-based attack competitions.
Learning through RangeForce builds the necessary knowledge and muscle memory to react quickly and effectively when defending against real world cyberattacks.
RangeForce cybersecurity training features three key components, Battle Paths, Battles Skills and Battle Fortress.
Battle Paths
Battle Paths are prebuilt, certified training programs that align to specific cybersecurity roles.
These hands-on training programs enable individuals to acquire skills for entry level cyber security positions, cross-train, upskill, and advance their career.
Each multi-module Battle Path combines interactive training exercises using actual IT infrastructure, security tools and cyberattack scenarios on the cloud-delivered RangeForce Battle Skills platform.
Battle Paths are available for the most in-demand cyber security positions, including SOC Analyst 1, SOC Analyst 2, Threat Hunter, Web Application Security (OWASP), Microsoft Core Security with Secure Coding, and Cloud Security.
Upon successful completion of a Battle Path program, each student receives an industry recognized RangeForce Badge that validates their skills for their employer or hiring managers.
Battle Skills
RangeForce Battle Skills is the industry’s only self-paced, asynchronous cybersecurity learning program.
It offers 450+ modules (with 20+ added weekly), challenges, exercises, all available Battle Paths and new training modules.
Battle Skills provides individualized skills assessment to identify knowledge gaps and sets a prescribed training path.
Beginners through experts can experience and interact with best-of-breed security tools and stay current on the latest threats, Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE).
Battle Skills is an ideal resource for individuals who want to hone their personal cybersecurity skills.
For enterprise teams, Battle Skills serves as an essential tool in the ongoing mission to ensure cyber resilience and security orchestration, as it provides security leaders with key insights into their team’s strengths and identifies areas for improvement.
Battle Fortress
RangeForce Battle Fortress enables organizations to assess whether or not their team is ready to respond to a real cyber attack.
Dynamic Red/Blue team exercises on the RangeForce virtual cyber range allows teams to work together to detect and contain threats in a highly realistic, safe cloud-based environment that brings a company’s security stacks and real-world attack scenarios to life.
Teams are monitored as they work with their organization’s existing operations, processes and technologies to find, identify, contain and remediate the attack.
Attacks are drawn straight from today’s headlines and include advanced attacks like Shellshock, Heartbleed and adversary techniques like XSS, backdoors, lateral movement, network reconnaissance, DDoS and rootkits.
Metrics from Battle Skills and Battle Fortress are tracked in a management dashboard so CISOs and security managers have a comprehensive view of the capabilities of their staff, both individually and collectively.
This quantitative and qualitative analysis provides a reliable measure of readiness and where to focus future training for rectifying gaps.
This continuous loop of assessment, gap analysis, and prescribed learning based on an organization’s unique environment and tools has led a growing number of Fortune 500/Global 2000 customers to select RangeForce cloud-based cybersecurity training, even before Covid-19 had eliminated on-site training.
(See how Battle Fortress from RangeForce, is a hyper-scalable cyber range that enables teams to execute realistic blue and red team exercises. Courtesy of RangeForce and YouTube. Posted on Feb 8, 2021.)
RangeForce Battle Fortress is easy to set up using a web browser interface and partnerships with leading vendors give RangeForce breadth and flexibility.
Its customizable, virtualized network infrastructure and security tools (vendor and open source) can include QRadar, Recorded Future, Cisco, Splunk, Palo Alto, Exabeam, Sentinel One, Fortinet, YARA, Nmap, Suricata, Powershell, and DevOps platforms like Docker and Kubernetes, and more.
Attack scenarios are customizable and reusable, and don’t require expensive re-builds, as is the case with in-person and company-built ranges.
RangeForce accelerates staff productivity. For example, one RangeForce customer would not allow new-hires without previous training on QRadar SIEM to use the platform for six months, which wasted valuable time.
Using the RangeForce QRadar modules, they now train and certify employees in less than 3 weeks.
Analyst firm Cybersecurity Ventures has predicted that there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs in 2021, which has increased from one million in 2014. Most of these jobs require solid skills.
RangeForce cybersecurity training is helping the industry overcome the cybersecurity skills shortage through individualized cybersecurity training programs.
(See why a global perspective is an integral part of the RangeForce DNA. Invest in Estonia recently discussed this topic with the company’s CEO and co-founder, Taavi Must. Courtesy of RangeForce and YouTube. Posted on Mar 24, 2021.)
RangeForce has a Community Edition where any individual can register and get free access to 20+ core cybersecurity modules, including Docker, Kubernetes, Microsoft, and Splunk.
They can earn a CPE credit certificate after successfully completing 5 modules. Typically they go on to register for Battle Paths and Battle Skills, as they enjoy the interactive, realistic experience of training with RangeForce.
Some want skills that enable them to enter a cybersecurity career while others use RangeForce self-directed modules to take their careers to the next level.
RangeForce is working to democratize cybersecurity training for individuals by providing an alternative to government and university programs, which prove elusive and expensive to many with aptitude.
RangeForce is also focused on expanding diversity in cybersecurity through partnerships with organizations such as nPower, YearUp and BlackGirlsHack that bring RangeForce’s professional training to economically disadvantaged individuals, youth, women and minorities.
RangeForce has a sustained corporate initiative to enable underprivileged youth to gain a foothold in cyber security.
RangeForce has seen the limitless career opportunities available in the cyber field and it is a corporate mission to give all people a chance to hone their skills and gain meaningful employment.
With this new alliance Black Cybersecurity Association (BCA) members will acquire new skills for career advancement and new job opportunities.
“This partnership with RangeForce will enable us to achieve our member training goals by providing hands-on and role-based learning modules that are accessible anywhere, anytime,” explains Darold Kelly Jr., founder of the BCA.
“We are excited to be able to offer access to this world-class training platform to our members.”
Programs offered by BCA are aimed at positively impacting communities while engaging and empowering members to become leaders in the industry.
The BCA will have access to RangeForce modules that support the cybersecurity training needs of individuals and teams alike.
The on-demand and cloud-based RangeForce solution allows learners to work with leading security tools, equipping them to detect and respond to the latest cyber threats.
“Darold and the entire BCA organization are helping the industry address a shortage of trained cyber professionals while supporting members to advance their careers,” added Jackson Thibodeau, Sr. Director of Channels at RangeForce.
“The organization’s inclusive and community-first approach to career mentorship is raising the bar for our industry.”
“We are extremely pleased to be partnering with BCA and its 2,000 members.”
RangeForce is revolutionizing cybersecurity training with its adaptive learning technology to better train and cross-train DevOps, IT, and security professionals, by creating accessible cybersecurity training experiences for you and your team.
RangeForce helps customers operationalize a SaaS-based cybersecurity training program in hours, saving up to 65% over traditional training and up to $1M annually on hosted cyber ranges.
RangeForce to Compete in 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program
American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is today in its Sixth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.
2020 has been a very challenging year for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the much heralded AST ‘ASTORS’ Awards Winners Presentations and exclusive Luncheon at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC has been canceled and rescheduled for 2021 due to the virus.
However, the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program was again a huge success and many new categories were added including a section for COVID-19 Detection and Innovation.
The 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was sponsored by ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, Desktop Alert, X.Labs and Reed Exhibitions, every one a returning Sponsor from 2020, 2019 and More.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.
Comprehensive List of Categories Include:
| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
| Metal/Weapon Detection | Rescue Operations | Critical Infrastructure |
| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | And Many Others! |
| COVID Innovations | And Many Others! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
With the unprecedented occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of the safety and security industries has realized the need to increase innovations to address the daily growing challenges.
As such AST aims to make sure these firms and professionals are reflected in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, so we’d like to encourage you to submit appropriate categories recommendations and include COVID-19 Frontline Professionals in your Nominations to see that these Professionals, Facilities, and Vendors receive the Recognition they Deserve!
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Check Out the New 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.
It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
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For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, and the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
