Practical Cyber Security Training Exercises

Abstract

There is a shortage of skilled cyber security professionals. Hands-on learning engages students and provides them with an opportunity to gain knowledge and improve their problem-solving skills. We developed hands-on training laboratory exercises that help students to better understand topics in the cyber security field by applying them in controlled virtual environments. The trainings are designed to be practiced in a consistent virtual environment and modularized in a way that allows students to practice specific parts of the exercises based on their level of educational background. The material that is presented in each training exercise focuses more on the methodologies to put cyber security concepts into practice including tools and best practices for better success rate. By performing digital forensics, penetration testing, social engineering, and other ethical hacking attacks, students can have a good perspective into the mind of attackers.