With growing dependence on digital systems, the risk of cyber attacks on critical infrastructure such as energy supply, healthcare, transport networks or government departments is increasing. These attacks can not only cause economic damage, but also jeopardise public safety and trust in state institutions. Therefore, there is an urgent need for practical and innovative training methods to prepare IT security experts and critical infrastructure operators for current and future threat scenarios.
The AIT Cyber Range is an innovative simulation environment that realistically replicates IT networks in security-critical settings. This multi-award-winning system is used worldwide for training personnel to defend critical infrastructure against cyberattacks. It enables tailor-made training programmes to be provided to operators of critical infrastructure around the globe. AIT has also been the world’s only ‘IAEA Collaborating Centre’ of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for several years, responsible for IT security training in member states.
“AIT’s expertise and state-of-the-art facilities enable high-quality training and demonstrations on computer security, which can make a significant contribution to capacity building as well as research and development activities,” emphasised Lydie Evrard, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, at the signing of the cooperation agreement. Furthermore, training courses are organised in collaboration with various partners, including the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) in Ukraine. In Austria, AIT’s clients include the IT and energy networks of Vienna, as well as operators such as Verbund, EVN and Salzburg AG. Training programmes are conducted internationally in many European countries, such as the UK, Slovenia and Romania; in the Middle East, including Oman and the United Arab Emirates; in Asia, including Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam; and in South America
“AIT’s expertise and state-of-the-art facilities enable high-quality training and demonstrations on computer security, which can make a significant contribution to capacity building as well as research and development activities,” emphasised Lydie Evrard, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security.
