Scalable Learning Environments for Teaching Cybersecurity Hands-on

TL;DR

This paper presents scalable, open-source virtual learning environments that enhance hands-on cybersecurity education for diverse learners, improving practicality and efficiency in class preparation and delivery.

Contribution

The paper introduces scalable, open-source virtual environments for cybersecurity training, enabling realistic, efficient hands-on classes for various learner groups.

Findings

Environments support realistic virtual networks with full OS and devices.

Classes delivered remotely or on-site with positive learner feedback.

Open-source tools and documentation facilitate adoption by educators.

Abstract

This Innovative Practice full paper describes a technical innovation for scalable teaching of cybersecurity hands-on classes using interactive learning environments. Hands-on experience significantly improves the practical skills of learners. However, the preparation and delivery of hands-on classes usually do not scale. Teaching even small groups of students requires a substantial effort to prepare the class environment and practical assignments. Further issues are associated with teaching large classes, providing feedback, and analyzing learning gains. We present our research effort and practical experience in designing and using learning environments that scale up hands-on cybersecurity classes. The environments support virtual networks with full-fledged operating systems and devices that emulate real-world systems. (...) Using the presented environments KYPO Cyber Range Platform and Cyber Sandbox Creator, we delivered the classes on-site or remotely for various target groups of learners (K-12, university students, and professional learners). The learners value the realistic nature of the environments that enable exercising theoretical concepts and tools. The instructors value time-efficiency when preparing and deploying the hands-on activities. Engineering and computing educators can freely use our software, which we have released under an open-source license. We also provide detailed documentation and exemplary hands-on training to help other educators adopt our teaching innovations and enable sharing of reusable components within the community.