Virtual reality used by Embry-Riddle for cybersecurity defense training
NewsAugust 19, 2021
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. Researchers at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University are designing a simulator to train Navy ROTC students, or midshipmen, in how to identify cybersecurity threats. In order to do so, officials at the university are leveraging virtual reality (VR) expertise found on the Daytona Beach Campus.
The centerpiece of the course is the VR component which, according to Dr. Andy Dattel, director of the Cognitive Engineering Research in Transportation Systems (CERTS) Lab, simulates the bridge of a ship, which is designed to put students in control of identifying potential threats before they become catastrophic.
For example, a ship that normally should appear on the Voyage Management System may be removed in the VR environment, or a phantom ship may appear. By cross-referencing inside and external sensors, participants learn how to identify cyber threats.
Funded by the Office of Naval Research, this eight-week training program, featuring the Cyber Security Virtual Reality Trainer (CyVR-T), will include up to 20 midshipmen in its first class, as well as three undergraduate students who have played important roles in the development of the software and two graduate research assistants, officials claim.
