IBM Launches Cutting-Edge “X-Force Cyber Range” Facility in Washington DC

IBM has opened a new cyber range facility in Washington, DC, designed to help US federal agencies, suppliers, and critical infrastructure organizations improve their response to cyberattacks and AI threats through custom training exercises.

Custom training exercises catered to various stakeholders, preparing them for real-world cyber incidents.
Effective IR planning and testing can save organizations millions of dollars and significant time in the event of a data breach.
Hands-on Cyber Wargame scenario and "Inside the Mind of a Hacker" exercise provide valuable insights and practical experience for participants.

IBM has launched its new IBM X-Force Cyber Range in Washington, DC, aimed at helping US federal agencies, suppliers, and critical infrastructure organizations enhance their response to cyberattacks and AI threats. The facility offers custom training exercises that cater to various stakeholders, from legal and mission-critical leaders to technical security experts, preparing them for real-world cyber incidents. According to IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach report, the global average cost of a data breach reached $4.45 million, with the US facing the highest breach costs worldwide. The report also highlighted that organizations with incident response (IR) teams and tested IR plans had faster response times and lower breach costs compared to those without. In fact, effective IR planning and testing saved the industry and government nearly $1.5 million in breach costs and 54 days from the data breach lifecycle.

Alice Fakir, Partner and Lead of Cybersecurity Services for IBM Consulting’s US Federal Market, emphasized the broader implications of cyberattacks on government and critical infrastructure, stating, “From national security threats to supply chain disruptions impacting the goods and services we rely on every day, cyberattacks on government and critical infrastructure can have ramifications that go far beyond the balance sheet.” Fakir also highlighted how the new DC range aligns with federal mandates, including those outlined in the Biden Administration’s Executive Order 14028 focused on enhancing the nation’s cybersecurity.

Building on their extensive experience in cyber response training globally, IBM facilitators at the DC range guide participants through realistic breach scenarios, covering a range of attacks such as AI code poisoning, deepfake, and zero-day attacks. The immersive experience allows participants from both private sector organizations and government agencies to navigate challenges they would encounter in real-time, including communication breakdowns, resource constraints, and compliance with SEC incident reporting requirements.

The X-Force Cyber Range in DC is not limited to government agencies and critical infrastructure providers; businesses from all sectors can also benefit from the cyber response training offered. The training simulations provided through the range include tailored challenges for federal government agencies and private sector organizations. These scenarios expose gaps in response plans and allow stakeholders to learn best practices based on industry standards and real-world case studies.

Additionally, the range offers a hands-on Cyber Wargame scenario, where participants investigate a cyberattack orchestrated by a criminal organization against a fictional corporation. This exercise tests the organization’s incident response process, communication, and problem-solving capabilities. It serves as a valuable tool for regularly refreshing and updating IR plans to address evolving threats and business challenges.

To help participants understand the mindset of attackers and stay informed about the latest cyber threats, the range offers an exercise called “Inside the Mind of a Hacker.” This session provides insights into the tools and techniques used by adversaries, incorporating relevant information from IBM X-Force threat intelligence.

Recognizing the increasing targeting of critical infrastructure organizations, IBM will also offer two free exercises at the DC cyber range specifically designed for select infrastructure providers. These exercises aim to strengthen their response capabilities in the face of simulated cyberattacks. The first session, scheduled for spring 2024, will focus on organizations in the chemical, energy (including electric, oil, gas, and renewables), and water industries. The scenario will be tailored to address industry-specific challenges. The second session will take place later this year.

Since 2016, IBM’s cyber range facilities have attracted over 17,000 visitors from major banks, healthcare systems, and oil & gas producers worldwide. The new X-Force Cyber Range in Washington, DC, is poised to continue this legacy by equipping organizations with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively tackle cyber threats in today’s increasingly complex digital landscape.

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Background Information

About IBM:

IBM, or International Business Machines Corporation, is a globally American multinational technology company with a storied history dating back to its founding in 1911. Over the decades, IBM has consistently been at the forefront of innovation in the field of information technology. The company is known for its pioneering work in computer hardware, software, and services, with breakthroughs like the IBM System/360 and the invention of the relational database.