 |
 |
 |
Marquette, Mich. – At Northern Michigan University, Merit Network and the Michigan Defense Center unveiled the latest addition to the Michigan Cyber Range. The NMU Cyber Hub grand opening included a tour of the new cyber range and a live, virtual Capture the Flag exercise with IT professionals.
The Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute is going to be a game-changer not only for NMU and area high schools students, but also for those switching careers and those looking to advance their careers throughout the U.P. We are confident that the teaching, training, and testing offerings that the Institute provides in partnership with the Merit Network and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will cultivate U.P. participation in the new economy and foster economic development throughout the region. With the increasing demand for cyber security experts nationwide, the ability to earn industry credentials online through the Institute, and the expanding opportunities for cybersecurity professionals to work remotely, we will be able to develop cybersecurity talent throughout the U.P. and keep people living and working here.
Steve VandenAvond, PH.D.
Vice President for Extended Learning and Community Engagement
Northern Michigan University
Cyber Range Hubs establish Michigan as the national epicenter for security training and workforce development. Hub sites host events, exercises, and training classes. Statewide hubs operate as a physical extension of the Michigan Cyber Range, the nation’s largest unclassified cyber range. The hubs offer more than forty industry-recognized certifications, exercises and workshops aimed at qualifying individuals for positions and contracts in cybersecurity fields.
Northern Michigan University has been a key partner of the Michigan Defense Center and MEDC in executing against the statewide Protect & Grow initiative. They have taken the lead and have been representing the 15 counties that make up the UP and
have played a critical role in developing the defense industry. Today’s Cyber Hub is an important new asset that will support the development of the defense industry in northern Michigan and more importantly be key to creating good paying jobs for those that live in the UP.
Sean Carlson
Executive Director, Michigan Defense Center
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
The expansion of the Michigan Cyber Range, powered by Merit, is a critical strategy included in the 2015 Michigan Cyber Initiative, spearheaded by the State of Michigan. As a state-run test program that hones security software and cyber defense skills, the Michigan Cyber Range offers cyber exercises, product testing, digital forensics, and more than 40 professional certifications based on the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework.
The Cyber Range Hub at NMU gives its students and the community access to world class, hands-on cybersecurity education. Cyber Range Hubs serve as a magnet site for the cybersecurity ecosystem. This partnership is a great opportunity for Merit, Michigan, and the people of the Upper Peninsula and I’m sure it will have an immediate positive impact on these students and the area’s workforce.
Dr. Joe Adams
Vice President for Research and Cyber Security
Merit Network
Since 2015, the Michigan Defense Center/MEDC has provided funding for cyber ranges in Battle Creek, Macomb Oakland University Incubator in Sterling Heights, Pinckney Community High School, Wayne State University and West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT). These Hubs serve as centers for the cyber ecosystem within their communities.
ABOUT MERIT NETWORK:
Merit Network, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation owned and governed by Michigan’s public universities. Merit owns and operates America’s longest-running regional research and education network. In 1966, Michigan’s public universities created Merit as a shared resource to help meet their common need for networking assistance. Since its formation, Merit Network has
remained on the forefront of research and education networking expertise and services. Merit provides network, security and community services to Michigan’s public universities, colleges, K-12 organizations, libraries, state government, healthcare and other non-profit organizations.
ABOUT MICHIGAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. Visit Pure Michigan Talent Connect at www.mitalent.org for more information on Michigan’s online marketplace for connecting job seekers and employers. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
ABOUT NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. NMU’s academic and career programs are nurtured by exceptional teaching and extensive opportunities for scholarship, creativity and engagement. Our supportive, connected community empowers students, graduates, faculty and staff to contribute to a diverse and sustainable world.
MEDC Media Contact:
Kathy Achtenberg
517-335-3340
[email protected]
Merit Network Media Contact:
Pierrette Renee Widmeyer