What’s a cyber range? Everything you need to know about SAIT’s newest tech space

Students and corporate teams fend off simulated cyber attacks in this tech-infused space in downtown Calgary

Calling all present and future cybersecurity pros — SAIT’s Cyber Range is now open. Located at SAIT Downtown, the first-class training facility was made possible thanks to a $30-million gift from philanthropist David Bissett in 2019.

When you think SAIT, you think hands-on, and that’s exactly what this tech-infused space promises both cybersecurity students and IT professionals. It’s a place to learn by doing — or more accurately, by coding, patching, encrypting and deploying.

“The cyber range helps bridge the gap between education and industry,” says Faiqa Kaleem, second-year Information Systems Security student.

“It prepares students for the fast-paced nature of real cybersecurity roles. You're not just learning theory — you’re simulating attacks, defending systems and building the kind of experience employers are looking for.”

Let’s decrypt how a cyber range works and what makes SAIT’s unique.

A cyber range is where practice makes perfect. 😎

What if you could practice tackling the most dangerous cyber attacks with no risk to real systems and data? A cyber range is an isolated training environment that uses virtual scenarios to safely test cybersecurity skills and protocol. Users can practice defending simulated networks and servers from realistic attacks, such as phishing, malware or ransomware.

Think of it like a dress rehearsal before the big show — one you hope never premieres but will be ready for if it does.

The Red Team and Blue Team go head-to-head in split training exercises. ⚔️

To develop a strong defense, you have to think like your opponent. The cyber range incorporates dedicated team training rooms to bring simulated cyber attacks to life — the Red Team works to infiltrate systems and threaten data security while the Blue Team collaborates to fend off the attacks. Through team scenarios, learners find out how to detect, contain and resolve threats under pressure, building confidence and decision-making skills employers demand.

The Central Command Centre is as impressive as it looks. 🚨

Featuring rows of glowing monitors and moody lighting, the cyber range’s Central Command Centre looks like it’s right out of a sci-fi film. This is the jewel of the cyber range where coordinated exercises take place — a facilitator works from a separate adjoining room to launch an attack while learners work together to save the day.

“I really enjoy how realistic it feels,” says Kaleem.

“Whether it’s a Capture the Flag challenge or a live scenario, there’s a sense of urgency and teamwork that mirrors what it’s like in the field. It’s exciting, and at the same time, it’s a great way to build confidence in your skills.”

It offers 50+ cutting-edge simulations of real-world cyber challenges and all the tools used by global cybersecurity teams. ▶️

The cyber range offers a suite of hands-on training scenarios, from basic vulnerability assessments to advanced threat exploitation exercises. Learners can dive into a password cracking simulation to experiment with brute-force attacks (systematically trying every possible combination of characters) and dictionary attacks (guessing the right credentials using common words and phrases), or explore how attackers use malicious macros (small programs hidden in documents) to spread malware and gain remote access.

Learners also have access to virtualized networks, industry-grade monitoring tools and advanced visualization walls for team-based exercises.

The space is built for future-ready SAIT students. 🎒

Students in SAIT’s cybersecurity programs enjoy built-in access to the cyber range while earning their credential — a perk chock-full of practical benefits.

“As a student, the cyber range is an incredibly valuable tool. It takes everything we’ve learned in class and brings it to life,” says Kaleem.

“It gives us the chance to apply concepts in real-world scenarios and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a safe environment. And it gives graduates a head start by allowing them to walk into their first job with practical, relevant experience.”

Learners can choose between a two-year bachelor degree or diploma program, or pursue a post-diploma certificate:

• Bachelor of Technology — Cyber Security
• Information Systems Security
• Information Security Analyst
• Cyber Security for Control Systems
• Cyber Security Analyst

It also serves as a corporate training hub for cybersecurity teams and IT professionals. 💼

Every organization faces unique cyber risks. The cyber range’s training scenarios can be customized to address specific industry challenges, compliance requirements and security objectives.

Even better, training experiences can be tailored to any industry, mirroring real-world digital infrastructures across critical sectors such as health care, energy, finance and transportation. The result? Teams train in authentic scenarios that reflect the actual threat landscape their organizations face.

In simple terms, SAIT’s Cyber Range is a gateway to a career in cybersecurity. And for Kaleem and so many students like her, that work has meaning.

“Cybersecurity is more than a career path for me ... it’s a way to contribute to something bigger: protecting the data, infrastructure and people that keep our communities running. I’m grateful to SAIT, my mentors and my peers for giving me the chance to grow, lead and make a difference.”

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