ATHENE Cyber Range training courses now also available in Heilbronn

Fraunhofer SIT is now also offering its cyber training courses at the ATHENE Cyber Range at its new site in Heilbronn. At the Fraunhofer Heilbronn Research and Innovation Centre (HNFIZ) for Cyber Security, companies and public authorities can now learn, in a simulated environment, how to detect and repel cyber attacks at an early stage. The programme is funded by the Dieter Schwarz Foundation.

Cyber-attacks can now bring all processes within companies or public authorities to a standstill. They often lead to the disclosure of confidential data, as was the case with the Berlin Senate Administration. Such attacks rarely begin with a big bang. In most cases, attackers first gain access to a company’s IT infrastructure without being detected and then continue to work their way through the corporate network over a period of weeks or months. Those who recognise the stages of an attack during this time can often stop the attackers before significant damage is caused. This is precisely where the Fraunhofer SIT training programmes come in. At the ATHENE Cyber Range, an isolated simulation platform, security officers are confronted with real cyberattacks, just as they occur in practice. They practise recognising suspicious traces on the network and responding correctly, without any risk to day-to-day operations. The principle is similar to that of a flight simulator for pilots: there, too, emergencies such as engine failure are simulated so that the correct procedures are second nature in a real-life emergency.

“With our cyber training programmes, companies can strengthen their cyber defence capabilities and thereby improve their resilience. Technology is never perfect. That is why it is important for those in charge to practise dealing with emergencies on a Cyber Range,” says Dr Markus Schneider, Head of the Department for Training and Continuing Education in Cybersecurity at Fraunhofer SIT.

With its new site in Heilbronn, Fraunhofer SIT is responding to the growing threat posed by cyber-attacks. Cyber Range training helps organisations to fulfil their duty of care with regard to risk prevention.

At its Heilbronn site, Fraunhofer SIT conducts extensive research and development into key areas of cyber security for businesses. A major current focus of HNFIZ’s activities is the interplay between AI and cyber security. Other areas of research include the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure and corporate networks, as well as legally compliant technology design with a focus on governance and compliance. The new programme in Heilbronn complements these activities with training courses designed to strengthen organisations’ cyber defences. Alongside the main site in Darmstadt, Heilbronn is the second location where training can be carried out on the ATHENE Cyber Range.

The programme is aimed at individuals responsible for operational cyber security within their organisations, such as staff in IT administration or in security operations centres at companies and public authorities. Interested organisations can contact the training team by email at cyberrange@athene-center.de. Further information on the training formats offered by the ATHENE Cyber Range can be found at www.athene-center.de/cyberrange.