The grant is part of the state's Security Operations Center (SOC) Cyber Range Initiative, a program managed by Mass Tech's MassCyberCenter that aims to help build a diverse generation of cybersecurity professionals through education, training and workforce development, according to a news release.
"Massachusetts is committed to leading in cybersecurity and ensuring that all communities have the skills, resources and capacity to protect their businesses and residents," Gov. Maura Healey said. "Congratulations to Salem State on this award and their efforts to grow the cyber workforce."
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said how proud she is, "as Salem's former mayor and a Salem State graduate ... of the work the university is doing to teach students critical cybersecurity skills.
"Cybersecurity affects every part of our community whether you are a small business, elementary school or local government office. The more cybersecurity professionals we have, the more we can ensure our communities are protected online," Driscoll said.
"Salem State is grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the MassCyberCenter for selecting us for this important partnership," Salem State President John Keenan said. "This type of investment and professional relationships are a win-win for everyone involved.
"Like our nursing and occupational therapy simulation labs, the CyberRange will imitate real-world problems for students to solve in real time," he said.
The funding is expected "to promote cybersecurity while also ensuring Massachusetts stays competitive in modern economic development," said Yvonne Hao, state secretary of economic development and board chair of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.
Salem State will join Bridgewater State University, Springfield Technical Community College and MassBay Community College as a critical part of a statewide network of cybersecurity educators, MassCyberCenter Director John Petrozzelli said.
The award will support capital expenditures to construct the CyberRange and expenditures for the first year of operations.
The center is expected to promote the Massachusetts cybersecurity ecosystem by working to build a strong cyber talent pipeline and to strengthen the defense of local communities.
More information is available online at https://masscybercenter.org.
©2024 The Salem News (Beverly, Mass.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
