When I first got into IT back in 2005, getting hands on experience outside of work usually meant setting up a hardware lab at home, or specking out a laptop/desktop with enough CPU and RAM to run multiple virtual machines at the same time.
I’m a HUGE fan of virtualization, my current laptop has about 20 vms and counting. I also think getting physical hands on gear experience is great as well. Linux makes it easy to put those old laptops and desktops to use!
However, one of the evolutions of IT training I am really enjoying these days is the plethora of virtual labs, cyber ranges, and cloud-based IT playgrounds.
The fact that with nothing more than a computer and an internet connection you can connect to an entire network of machines, switches, firewalls and other devices on demand is really great! Sure, this type of tech has been around for a while, though I remember when it was mainly reserved for enterprise customers and schools or training centers.
Now anyone with access to the internet can get their hands on the latest Windows server, test security tools on a Kali vm, try their hand a programing a Cisco switch, build up their hacking skills, dig around in Splunk, and so much more!
Another cool thing is there are plenty of free options as well as premium options, so there really is something for everyone!
I’ve personally used a few such as infosec skills, skillsoft practice labs, and hack the box academy, but there are soooooo many more out there. Many of the premium ones even have free limited accounts that have no strings attached.
I like the fact that many of these virtual labs are tied into more traditional IT courses and training, so it really gives you a chance to practice the concepts you’re learning.
I just think this type of training really levels the playing field in the fact that it gives everyone a chance to learn and experiment with technology of all types!
Here’s some for you to checkout on your own…
Platforms I have experienced myself:
- Infosec Skills Cyber Ranges – https://www.infosecinstitute.com/skills/
- Hack the Box Academy – https://academy.hackthebox.eu/
- Practice-Labs.com (powers itpro.tv and skillsoft labs) – https://skills.practice-labs.com/
On my list to checkout:
- Microsoft Self Paced Labs – https://www.microsoft.com/handsonlabs/selfpacedlabs
- Rangeforce Community – https://go.rangeforce.com/community-edition-registration
- Try Hack Me – https://tryhackme.com/
- CyberDefenders – https://cyberdefenders.org/labs/?type=ctf
- PortSwigger Web Security Academy – https://portswigger.net/web-security
- Virtual Hacking Labs – https://www.virtualhackinglabs.com/
- Let’s Defend – https://letsdefend.io/
- Blue Team Labs Online – https://blueteamlabs.online/
- Offsec Proving Grounds – https://www.offensive-security.com/labs/individual/
- Cisco dCloud – https://dcloud.cisco.com/
I tried to focus on those that are totally online. There are others where you can connect to their lab from your own device or virtual machine, but this post is specifically about the online cyber ranges and cloud-based virtual labs.
If you have others that you recommend feel free to share! If I come across more during my explorations I’ll make sure to update the list!
Hopefully you find something useful out there!
Leave a Reply