U.S. Rep. Richard Neal was honored for his work on helping to create the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence that bears his name at a ceremony on Sept. 16 at Union Station.
Reminder Publishing photo by G. Michael Dobbs
SPRINGFIELD — The Richard E. Neal Cybersecurity Center of Excellence represents another opportunity for area residents to learn a skill that is increasingly important in American business, government and life: cybersecurity.
U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (D-Springfield) attended the official opening of the facility on Sept. 16, which is located in a 6,000-square-foot facility on the first floor of Union Station.
In his remarks, Neal said, “The number one responsibility of the federal government of the United States is to provide security for its people. National security is really a very critical part of the democracy we enjoy.”
“This a talent field that needs more and more individuals,” Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said.
John Cooke, president of Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), said the center represents the first “off-campus” program of the college.
In his remarks, Cooke emphasized the collaborative process that came into play in the creation of the center. The center is the result of an effort by not just STCC, but also Bay Path University, Elms College, and Western New England University, as well as the Springfield Redevelopment Authority and CyberTrust Massachusetts.
Students who train at the center will have access to paid internships.
In a written statement, Cooke added, “The opening of this center represents a significant step forward with a strategic plan that invites us to lead the educational ecosystem. We are grateful for the public investment and proud to stand up a facility that will not only enhance the learning experience for students but also contribute to continued economic development in Western Massachusetts.”
While the press and the dignitaries gathered for the ribbon-cutting were invited to tour the facility, they were cautioned not to take any photos inside because of the sensitive nature of the work there.
On its website, springfieldcce.com, the center is described as “a state-of-the-art cybersecurity training and education facility located in the historic Union Station building in Springfield, Massachusetts. Our mission is to empower individuals and organizations with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to combat the ever-evolving threat landscape and to build a stronger, more resilient cybersecurity ecosystem.”
The center includes a conference center that will host workshops and other events; Security Operations Center “where students and professionals can gain hands-on experience with the latest tools and techniques used to detect, analyze, and respond to cyber threats;” and what is known as “The Range,” which has “an immersive learning experience powered by our partner, Immersive Labs.
Here, learners can engage with realistic scenarios, hone their skills using advanced security tools, and debrief their experiences to continually improve their performance,” according to information supplied by the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence.
The center was funded with $3 million in federal funds, as well as additional $2 million in state and local funding, $500,000 of that came from ARPA funds allocated to the city of Springfield. MassTech provided an initial $1.46 million through the MassCyberCenter for the creation of the new facility.
