Cybersecurity has become a critical concern for organizations of every size as the frequency and sophistication of cyber threats escalate year after year. In 2025, data breaches, ransomware attacks, and social engineering tactics are not just expected, they are inevitable realities. Organizations must ensure their teams are fully prepared to recognize, defend against, and respond to these incidents rapidly and effectively.
Traditional classroom learning and theory-based seminars no longer suffice. To meet today’s security challenges, teams need practical, immersive, and ongoing training that simulates the chaos of a real cyberattack. This is where cyber range training solutions come in, offering lifelike, controlled environments for hands-on experience with the latest threats, technologies, and defensive strategies.
What is a Cyber Range?
A cyber range is a virtual environment that replicates real-world IT systems, networks, tools, and threat scenarios. It’s designed to give cybersecurity professionals hands-on experience defending against cyberattacks without putting actual systems at risk.
Unlike passive learning environments, cyber ranges offer active participation. Trainees can detect intrusions, respond to incidents, analyze malware, and run red or blue team exercises, all in a secure and controlled setting. Some cyber ranges even support purple teaming (a collaboration between red and blue teams) to improve overall security outcomes.
Key Features of a Cyber Range:
- Realistic Simulation: Emulates networks, software, and infrastructure to mimic real-world conditions.
- Hands-On Challenges: Let users practice identifying vulnerabilities, defending against attacks, and investigating security breaches.
- Team-Based Scenarios: Supports exercises for individuals and teams, fostering collaboration and communication.
- Performance Metrics: Tracks learner progress, response times, and effectiveness.
Types of Cyber Ranges
- Cloud-Based: Delivered as a service, these require no on-premises hardware and are accessible anywhere.
- On-Premises: Installed within an organization’s infrastructure, often for highly sensitive or regulated environments.
- Hybrid: Combine the flexibility of the cloud with some on-site resources for maximum scalability and control.
How to Choose the Right Cyber Range Platform
When selecting a cyber range solution, consider:
- Training Content and Curriculum: Ensure the platform offers relevant, up-to-date scenarios and aligns with frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK, NIST, or ISO.
- Support for Team and Individual Training: Depending on your use case, you may need support for red team, blue team, SOC simulations, or executive training.
- Customization and Scalability: Look for environments that allow customization to mimic your infrastructure and scale with your team.
- User Experience and Integration: Consider ease of deployment, interface design, and how well the platform integrates with your existing tech stack.
- Performance Metrics and Reporting: Platforms should offer dashboards, benchmarks, and KPIs to evaluate progress and training effectiveness.
The 6 Best Cyber Range Training Solutions in 2025
Here are six standout cyber range platforms making waves in 2025:
1. CloudShare
CloudShare is a powerful virtual IT lab platform that enables enterprises to deliver immersive cyber training in fully isolated, cloud-based environments. It supports custom labs, proof-of-concepts, and hands-on product simulations.
Key Features:
- On-demand cyber range labs with full networking control
- Easy-to-build simulations with real OS and network environment
- Seamless LMS integration
- Ideal for sales engineering, customer onboarding, and team cyber training
- Custom, scalable cyber labs and hands-on environments for corporate training
Pros:
- High flexibility and customization
- Supports hands-on scenarios for both offensive and defensive security
- Enterprise-grade reporting and analytics
2. RangeForce
RangeForce offers a modular cyber skills platform combining cyber range simulations with interactive learning paths for blue team, red team, and DevSecOps roles.
Key Features:
- Real-time cyberattacks in a simulated cloud environment
- Skill-based learning aligned with MITRE ATT&CK
- Gamified progression and leaderboards
- Individual and team-based threat detection and response scenarios
Pros:
- Strong focus on SOC and blue team readiness
- Modular design with progressive skill-building
- Great for both individuals and enterprise teams
3. Cyberbit
Cyberbit is a leader in cyber range technology, offering high-fidelity simulations for incident response, SOC operations, and cybersecurity certification. Its cyber range platform recreates complete network environments with live-fire attack scenarios.
Key Features:
- Live-fire simulation across malware, ransomware, DDoS, phishing, and more
- Integrated virtual SOC with SIEM, firewall, EDR tools
- Role-based and team-based exercises
- Immediate feedback and KPIs for skills evaluation
Pros:
- Enterprise-level realism
- Used by governments, military, and Fortune 500 companies
- Enables full-spectrum attack simulations
4. Infosec Skills
Infosec Skills (part of Infosec Institute) combines video-based lessons with hands-on cyber range labs. It’s great for learners who want to reinforce theory with practice, covering certifications like CISSP, CEH, and Security+.
Key Features:
- 1,400+ courses and assessments
- Cloud-based cyber ranges for skill application
- Certification preparation included
- Role and skill path mapping (e.g., penetration tester, SOC analyst)
Pros:
- Affordable, accessible, and beginner-friendly
- Combines theory and hands-on labs in one subscription
- Regular content updates
5. CYRIN
CYRIN, developed by Architecture Technology Corporation, is a cloud-based cyber range platform designed for both training and cyber research. It focuses on teaching tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) through task-based labs.
Key Features:
- Hands-on training in realistic environments
- Dozens of exercises in system hardening, forensic analysis, and malware defense
- Instructor-led options and self-paced modules
- Web-based access with secure sandboxing
Pros:
- Excellent academic and research applications
- Emphasizes foundational skills and situational analysis
- Affordable for universities and public sector
6. Immersive Labs
Immersive Labs is a cutting-edge cyber range platform that delivers dynamic skills training based on real-world threat intelligence. It enables security teams to continuously improve and validate cyber capabilities across the organization.
Key Features:
- Real-time labs updated with emerging threats
- Skills mapping by role, including CISO, red team, and developers
- Executive and crisis simulations
- Reporting and benchmarking at team, department, and org levels
Pros:
- Focus on continuous human capability development
- Supports cybersecurity upskilling across all levels (technical to executive)
- Smart analytics and compliance alignment
FAQs
- What is the difference between a cyber range and a sandbox?
A cyber range is designed for full-scope simulation and training, including multi-user participation, red/blue/purple teaming, and attack-defense scenarios. A sandbox is typically a single-user, isolated environment used for malware testing or analysis. - Can cyber ranges help with compliance training?
Yes. Many cyber range platforms support training aligned with NIST, MITRE, ISO, and other regulatory frameworks – useful for demonstrating security awareness and incident readiness. - Are cyber ranges only for large enterprises?
No. While some are geared toward large teams (like Cyberbit), others like Infosec Skills and CYRIN are cost-effective for individuals, schools, and small teams. - How often should cyber range training occur?
Ideally, cyber range training should be ongoing or quarterly to ensure skill retention and adaptation to emerging threats. - Do cyber ranges replace certifications?
Not necessarily. They complement certifications by offering practical experience that cert exams don’t cover. Combined, they create a more complete cybersecurity skillset.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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