Digital threats are a growing challenge for industry, especially for operators of critical infrastructures in the energy, transport and financial sectors. Cyber attacks can cause considerable economic damage, cause production downtime and jeopardise trust in central services. Industry therefore needs practical training solutions to prepare for current and future threat scenarios and strengthen its resilience to cyber attacks.
The AIT Cyber Range is a state-of-the-art simulation platform that realistically depicts IT and OT networks. This enables companies to analyse cyber attacks in a secure environment and test defence strategies. The platform has a modular structure and simulates industry-specific threat scenarios for various branches of industry. Companies can prepare for potential attacks in a targeted manner without jeopardising ongoing operations. For operators of critical infrastructures in particular, the AIT Cyber Range offers an essential training opportunity to raise IT security standards.
The technology has already achieved a sustainable economic impact: The AIT Cyber Range is used worldwide for training and has established itself as a leading solution for companies and institutions. Companies from the energy and finance sectors, IT service providers and operators of industrial plants benefit from practical training courses that specifically address industry-specific risks.
Through close cooperation with international organisations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the AIT has been able to further expand its position as a centre of expertise for cyber security. The platform is also used by European security authorities and ministries to develop national cyber defence strategies.
The AIT Cyber Range also makes a long-term contribution to the further development of cyber security research. The combination of realistic simulations and continuous further development of the platform results in innovative methods for the detection of and defence against cyber threats, which are documented in scientific publications and recognised internationally. This technology has enabled Austria to establish itself as an important player in the European IT security landscape, which is also underlined by its official recognition as an IAEA Collaborating Centre.
In future, the AIT Cyber Range will be expanded even further. There are plans to expand the range of services for other branches of industry and to position the AIT as a European centre of excellence for professional development in the field of cyber security. This will ensure that industry can keep pace with the ever-growing challenges of the digital threat landscape.
