A simulated cyberattack titled Cyber Range Live Attack was recently tested the skills of more than 30 job trainees in San Antonio, giving them a glimpse into the fast-paced reality of defending digital networks. The exercise, hosted by the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute, was part of the city’s Ready to Work program — a large-scale workforce initiative helping residents develop skills for high-demand industries.
The “Cyber Range Live Attack” placed trainees in a virtual Security Operations Center (SOC), where they monitored, identified, and responded to simulated hacking attempts in real time. The hands-on event aimed to prepare participants for jobs in cybersecurity by offering realistic exposure to how digital threats unfold.
Real-World Training for Cyber Defenders
Joe Mallen, a UTSA professor and one of the program’s coordinators, said the purpose of the Cyber Range Live Attack exercise was to build confidence and readiness. “We want to give trainees the experience of handling an attack so that when it happens on the job, they know how to respond,” he explained.
Participants faced simulated threats that mirrored real hacking scenarios, from suspicious network activity to attempted breaches. Using cybersecurity tools like Palo Alto Firewalls, QRadar, and Zenoss, the trainees worked to detect, contain, and analyze each digital intrusion.
According to Mallen, the training focused not just on identifying cyberattacks but also on understanding how to prevent future incidents. “You have to detect, respond, and then learn from it,” he said. “That’s how real-world cybersecurity operates.”
Strengthening Career Readiness Through Practice
The Ready to Work program, launched in 2020, helps San Antonio residents train for better-paying jobs. More than 5,000 participants have completed a course of study, with 3,149 successfully finding employment.
However, cybersecurity and IT fields have proven challenging for new entrants. Out of 741 individuals who completed training in these tracks, 316 have secured roles in the industry. The Cyber Range Live Attack was introduced to help improve those numbers by giving trainees practical experience employers value.
Luke Simons, a spokesperson for Ready to Work, said the local job market for entry-level IT and cybersecurity positions has tightened as companies prioritize candidates with experience. “Hands-on exercises like these help trainees demonstrate readiness,” he said.
The collaboration between UTSA and the city’s economic development office, Greater:SATX, connects local talent with employers seeking skilled cyber professionals. During the Cyber Range Live Attack event, several representatives from San Antonio-based companies observed the training and spoke with participants about potential opportunities.
Bridging Education and Employment in Cybersecurity
For many trainees, the Cyber Range Live Attack represented more than just a lesson — it was a pathway toward their future careers. Chloe Bruno, a 22-year-old senior at Texas A&M San Antonio, said she hopes the experience will help her secure an internship or job with a federal agency. “This program is preparing me to be the best I can be, both in skills and interviews,” she said.
Average salaries for Ready to Work graduates entering cybersecurity have reached $49,547, according to program data — a significant increase from when participants first enrolled.
The exercise underscored San Antonio’s growing emphasis on cybersecurity education. Known informally as “Cyber City, USA,” the region is home to a large cluster of cyber-focused employers, including federal agencies, private defense firms, and academic institutions.
UTSA’s Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute continues to play a key role in this ecosystem, offering students and trainees access to cutting-edge labs, simulation environments, and real-world training experiences like the Cyber Range Live Attack.
Preparing the Next Generation of Cyber Professionals
As the digital threat landscape evolves, programs like Ready to Work aim to ensure that local residents can keep pace with new security demands. For San Antonio’s aspiring cybersecurity professionals, the Cyber Range Live Attack was more than a test — it was a first step into a field that defends the systems society depends on.
With growing demand for skilled cybersecurity workers nationwide, practical training remains one of the most effective ways to bridge the gap between education and employment. And for the trainees who faced their first simulated attack that day, the Cyber Range Live Attack was a glimpse into the real challenges — and opportunities — waiting beyond the classroom.
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