Cochise College unveils a new Cyber Center and Virtual Reality Lab. Housed in the Cochise College Downtown Center, the Cyber Center and Virtual Reality Lab provide a dedicated space for students to experience hands-on learning using real-world applications.
Since it was established in 2004, the cybersecurity program at the college has evolved and grown. The program falls under computer information systems, which enrolls more than 1,500 students annually and includes computer maintenance, repair and programming, Linux, networking and virtual reality.
“This day has been a long time coming for one of our programs and just a matter of months for one of the other,” said Dr. J.D. Rottweiler, college president. “Cybersecurity is one of the college’s largest programs with instant employment opportunities or university transfer upon completion.”
Cyber Center
The new Cyber Center has 100 workstations. Audiovisual equipment in the classrooms and the labs has a central control unit. All classrooms have major video conferencing capabilities, and live streaming platforms are available. A dedicated data center with an isolated network provides an environment for students to practice Cybersecurity, networking, or digital forensics from anywhere there is an internet connection and web browser. This creates an equitable learning environment for all students. Cochise Cyberwarfare ranges and corporate networks have been built to provide real-world examples for students to learn and practice their craft.
There is a wireless testing lab in the Cyber Center with shielding in the walls to contain any wireless attacks or demonstrations. Additionally, the center has an industrial control systems (ICS) Lab with FESTO / SIEMENS equipment to replicate a small factory environment, which is used to demonstrate how industrial systems are vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
Using the Cyber Center’s resources, students hack and perform penetrative tests on computer operating systems, services, and applications, developing skills in identifying, assessing, and mitigating real-world vulnerabilities.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality, according to many experts, is a cost-effective way to provide training. Any situation can be created and experienced – everything from nursing, firefighting to surgeries, and drone piloting.
The Virtual Reality (VR) Lab has 12 workstations. Specialty VR ready laptops allow students to sign out equipment and continue course work outside the traditional lab environment. The program covers three major desktop VR ecosystems: Oculus, Steam VR, and Windows Mixed Reality. Oculus Quest, HTC Vive Pro, and HP Reverb Pro virtual reality headsets were selected to facilitate this level of work. Each is a leading headset in its respective ecosystem.
Throughout the VRD courses, students will learn how to program, implement, and troubleshoot projects that work across all three platforms utilizing the Unity game engine. This focus on cross-platform development prepares them for work in an emerging field that is not common in higher education or vocational programs today.
“These successes are the result of partnerships and dedicated, committed and innovative faculty members,” said Rottweiler.
To learn more about the Cybersecurity or Virtual Reality program at Cochise College, visit www.cochise.edu/cis.