Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
- Maryland Department of Labor announces $1.8 million in new funding for cyber ranges to provide cybersecurity training
- Goal is to close the critical workforce gap in cybersecurity field as Maryland had over 30,000 estimated cybersecurity job openings in 2023
The Maryland Department of Labor has committed $1.8 million in funding to strengthen the cybersecurity workforce through advanced training. The funding will support the development of cyber ranges, interactive simulated platforms essential for providing hands-on, experiential learning in a secure environment. This initiative aims to close the critical workforce gap in the cybersecurity field, as Cyberseek reported that Maryland had over 30,000 estimated cybersecurity job openings in 2023. However, the state lacked trained workers to fill one in four positions, which is worse than the national average.
Labor Secretary Portia Wu emphasized that employers are seeking cyber professionals with hands-on experience, and cyber ranges can help provide that experience to complement technical skills learned in the classroom. The increased funding will help build and expand the use of cyber ranges for training, ensuring the availability of highly skilled workers to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals across the state.
Applicants for the grants must demonstrate the ability to engage employers and industry partners to develop cutting-edge cyber range scenarios that align with the skills required for cybersecurity roles. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to build partnerships with organizations to ensure underrepresented populations, such as women, people of color, and individuals with differing abilities, have access to support services and training leading to employment in the cybersecurity industry.
DoIT Secretary Katie Savage highlighted the importance of prioritizing hands-on education for the next generation of Maryland cybersecurity professionals to secure the state long-term. The investment in cyber range training will further strengthen Maryland’s cybersecurity posture and make the state a hub for a diverse, thriving cybersecurity industry.
Interested parties can participate in a virtual pre-proposal conference on September 4, 2024, with proposal submissions due by October 4, 2024. Grants are set to begin on November 1, 2024, to support the development of cyber ranges for cybersecurity training in Maryland. Additionally, the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Build Our Future Grant Pilot Program previously funded the Cybersecurity Workforce Accelerator program, providing advanced training and education technology to community colleges in the state.
