Open Cyber Range (OCR)

About this project

<p>The project contributes to the programme outcome 1: “Increased competitiveness of Estonian companies within focus areas Green Industry Innovation, ICT and Welfare Technology”.</p> <p>Open Cyber Range is a virtual environment that is used for cybersecurity training and cybertechnology development. It provides tools that help strengthen the stability, security and performance of cyberinfrastructures and IT systems leading to secure and trustworthy products and well-educated personnel.</p> <p>The main objectives of this project are to create a platform for companies to develop, test and validate their innovative products, create a launch pad for new products to emerge to the market, promote security thinking in private sector and educate better workforce for the private companies.</p> <p>The &nbsp;project will create an environment for companies to test, experiment and validate newly developed products to meet the growing need for enhanced cybersecurity. Activities will include:</p> <ul> <li>creating a platform for (new) cybersecurity companies to develop, test and validate innovative products;</li> <li>create a launch pad for new products to emerge to the market;</li> <li>promote security thinking in private sector and</li> <li>educate better workforce for the private companies.</li> </ul> <p>The platform will include tools and products that are not part of standard cloud service (automation tools, simulations, red and blue team tools, situational awareness, hybrid systems etc.). The SMEs that develop and test the products in OCR will be provided with a fast setup of testing and validation environment, reduced initial cost for the environment, and also support from academia and government, mentors and test-clients from other SMEs.</p>

Bilateral cooperation results

The project collaboration had both achievements and problems. The collaboration among partners might have been more successful from the beginning with full responsibilities from all parties. Clearer responsibility differentiation among stakeholders, or other clear end goals from the start would have significantly improved coordination and clarity throughout the project. Although the late-stage feedback was valuable, these feedbacks highlighted the importance of earlier and more regular communication in order to better match efforts and expectations. Key learning points include the importance of setting clear roles and responsibilities early, ensuring all partners are actively engaged from the start, and maintaining open lines of communication throughout the project to mitigate risks and enhance collective output.

Project partners

• Norwegian University of Science and Technology Donor project partner· Norway
• Tallinn University of Technology Project partner· Estonia
• Sihtasutus CR14 Project partner· Estonia