Will provide advanced cybersecurity training to industry professionals

Governor Larry Hogan today joined Stephen Thomas, general manager of Cyberbit North America; Bruce Spector, CEO of Baltimore-based Electronic Technology Associates (ETA); Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh; and other dignitaries for the grand opening celebration of the Baltimore Cyber Range. The creation of the center was announced during the governor’s trade mission to Israel in September 2016. The Baltimore Cyber Range, which is located in Spark Baltimore in Baltimore City, will provide cybersecurity professionals with the most advanced cyber warfare strategies in an environment that simulates real threats.

“I am very pleased to celebrate the opening of the Baltimore Cyber Range,” said Governor Hogan. “As the first stand-alone and hands-on training cybersecurity training center in the nation, it will provide the most-up-to date training for our cyber force, further demonstrating that Maryland is truly the cyber capital of America.”

"The Baltimore Cyber Range represents another example of effective state, city and industry cooperation that will train and expand the Maryland cyber workforce exponentially," said Mayor Pugh. "I look forward to the growth of this initiative and the real opportunities it will create for our residents."

“Governor Hogan’s trade mission to Israel was designed to bring to Maryland the technology-rich capability the Israelis have developed in cybersecurity,” said Bruce Spector of ETA. “The Baltimore Cyber Range has done just that, bringing together their team, along with the capabilities of Cyberbit, to create a revolutionary way to train cybersecurity workers.”

The Baltimore Cyber Range is powered by Cyberbit’s Range Platform, a cybersecurity simulation and training environment that enables security teams to train in realistic settings. This hands-on experience expands cyber professionals’ knowledge base and enhances their skills to keep pace with evolving cyber threats. In addition, the training offered through the Baltimore Cyber Range promotes team building and enables cyber teams to respond more quickly and more effectively to complex and advanced attacks.

“Working with Cyberbit and Governor Hogan’s administration to bring this new cyber training technology to Maryland has been an unbelievable opportunity,” said Michael Doyle, president of Baltimore Cyber Range. “The range has demonstrated the potential to dramatically improve the skills and experience of those working to protect our national IT infrastructure. It also represents a key element of our ongoing efforts to provide the Maryland workforce the skills and knowledge required to address the skilled cybersecurity workforce shortage.”

“We congratulate the Baltimore Cyber Range and the state of Maryland for opening the new training and simulation facility today,” said Adi Dar, CEO of Cyberbit. “We see a rapidly-growing need for hands-on cybersecurity training in private and public-sector organizations worldwide, and are excited to see the Baltimore Range pioneering this activity in Maryland.”

Since 2015, the Hogan administration has taken major strides to cultivate and strengthen Maryland’s impressive cyber industry. In addition to the Israel economic development trade mission, Governor Hogan led a delegation of Maryland businesses and officials on a trade mission to London, where he addressed cyber industry leaders at the Houses of Parliament and announced the launch of iCyberCenter@bwtech, an international cybersecurity center at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Last month, Governor Hogan joined 37 governors across the country in joining a multi-state cyber compact to better secure states’ cyber infrastructure, and announced the opening of ELTA North America’s Cyber Innovation Center.

About Maryland Commerce

The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State's many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.