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Merit Network, Inc.: Michigan Cyber Summit to Feature Michigan Cyber Range and National Speakers(Thomson Reuters ONE via COMTEX) -- For Immediate Release Michigan Cyber Summit to Feature Michigan Cyber Range and National Speakers October 15, 2013 Ann Arbor, Mich. - The 2013 Michigan Cyber Summit, hosted by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, will take place on Friday, October 25 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. The Michigan Cyber Range will conduct an interactive exercise at the summit, called Cyber Gymkhana, as well as debut its new SCADA security-training component. The Michigan Cyber Range will present a unique opportunity for summit attendees to demonstrate their cyber skills in a test of speed, knowledge, and technique. Called a Cyber Gymkhana, this event puts participants in a realistic information environment within the Michigan Cyber Range. Participants must navigate through a heterogeneous information system finding clues and collecting flags. CG's real-time scoring system tracks the flags and displays a leaderboard of scores so participants can gauge their progress through the event. "The Capture the Flag exercise that we call Cyber Gymkhana gives individuals the chance to demonstrate their cyber security skills and techniques," said Joe Adams, vice president of research and cyber security at Merit Network. "It's a timed event where participants submit 'flags' or evidence to the scoring system as they are able to overcome obstacles. Everyone will be challenged, and we'll give prizes at the end of the day to recognize the winner." The Michigan Cyber Range will debut its new SCADA component at the Michigan Cyber Summit 2013. The new SCADA module, which is called Alphaville Power & Electric, reflects the computer infrastructure that is typically found in local smart grid or electric utility, enabling organizations to practice securing SCADA infrastructure. The component is part of Alphaville, a virtual town that features information systems that represent a public library, police station, city hall, and electric utility company. Students and professionals are able to practice the detection and mitigation of cybersecurity threats, as well as participate in red team-blue team exercises using the secure virtual environment. "The addition of Alphaville Power and Electric provides a robust, virtual SCADA training opportunity to users of the Michigan Cyber Range. It is one of the few virtual training environments for the power sector, and we expect our industry partners to take full advantage of that flexibility and accessibility," Adams stated. The Michigan Cyber Summit is a partnership between all levels of local, state and federal government including the State of Michigan Office of the Governor, Washtenaw County Cyber Citizenship Coalition, and the National Governors Association, as well as many private-sector partners. "It is great to be a centerpiece of the Governor's Summit," Adams said. "We have had a busy and fruitful year since the Governor cut the ribbon on the Cyber Range and we look forward to showing how we've built a great platform to show off the Cyber Security vision he laid out for the State." Speakers at the summit will include: - Michigan Governor Rick Snyder - Roberta Stempfley, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Department of Homeland Security Office of Cybersecurity and Communications - Cheri Caddy, Director of Cybersecurity Policy Integration and Outreach at National Security Staff, Executive Office of the President - Maj. General Gregory Vadnais, Adjutant General and the Director of Military and Veterans Affairs for Michigan - Michael Kaiser, Executive Director, National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) - Thomas MacLellan, Director, Homeland Security & Public Safety Division, National Governors Association (NGA) - David Behen, Chief Information Officer, State of Michigan - Dan Lohrmann, Chief Security Officer, State of Michigan In addition to the Michigan Cyber Range, the summit will feature presentation tracks related to business, education, home users/families, law enforcement, and government. For more information and to register for the Michigan Cyber Summit, please visit: https://events.esd.org/MichiganCyberSummit2013.aspx About Michigan Cyber Range The Michigan Cyber Range prepares cybersecurity professionals to detect, prevent and thwart cyberattacks in a real-world setting. Like a test track or a firing range, the Michigan Cyber Range enables individuals and organizations to conduct "live fire" exercises: simulations that test the detection and reaction skills of participants in a variety of situations. The Michigan Cyber Range also offers certification courses for a number of cybersecurity disciplines, with instruction available OnSite and Live Online. A full training schedule may be found at the Merit Michigan Cyber Range web site: www.merit.edu/cyberrange/ The Michigan Cyber Range is hosted and facilitated by Merit Network in partnership with the State of Michigan and with the sponsorship of Consumers Energy, DTE Energy and Juniper Networks. About Merit Network Merit Network, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation owned and governed by Michigan's public universities, 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 high-performance networking and IT solutions to Michigan's public universities, colleges, K-12 organizations, libraries, state government, healthcare, and other non-profit organizations. For more information: www.merit.edu/ For press/media contact: Elwood Downing Merit Network, Inc. Phone: (734)527-5702 Email: [email protected] This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: (i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and (ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Merit Network, Inc. via Thomson Reuters ONE HUG#1735726 |