ANN ARBOR – For the second consecutive year, Merit Network has been selected by Mile2 as the North American Authorized Training Center of the year. Merit was chosen from more than 100 Mile2 Authorized Training Center locations around the world. One ATC from each of five global regions was chosen to receive this annual award.
“Being selected as Mile2’s training center of the year for the second year in a row is an incredible honor,” said Joe Adams, vice president for research and cybersecurity at Merit and director of the Michigan Cyber Range. “It speaks to the great partnership between Mile2 and the Michigan Cyber Range. We look forward to this collaboration with Mile2 as we continue to grow and expand.”
Mile2 selected Merit in recognition of their proven dedication to the cause of promoting cybersecurity through the efforts of the Michigan Cyber Range. To become a Mile2 ATC, organizations must go through an official process to gain the authorization to deliver Mile2 training in their region. This was Merit’s second year as a Mile2 Training Center.
Merit began providing Mile2’s cybersecurity courseware and certifications through the Michigan Cyber Range in 2013. Most courses are delivered live online, where instructors conduct classes online with students attending from locations around the world.
In 2014, Merit collaborated with organizations in Michigan to provide new cybersecurity training programs. Merit partnered with Wayne County Community College District and Mile2 to provide a cybersecurity retraining program for military veterans. The 13-week program was the first of its kind in the nation and provided 17 veterans with essential cybersecurity skills. Merit also worked with the State of Michigan to provide cybersecurity courses to the Michigan Cyber Civilian Corps, teams of volunteers who provide emergency cybersecurity services in Michigan.
Through its annual cybersecurity conference, MCRCon, Merit and the Michigan Cyber Range promote cybersecurity awareness and preparedness, hosting IT professionals and students for a day-long gathering on relevant cybersecurity issues.
“I’m excited about the amazing growth Merit has displayed in the last two years,” said Ray Friedman, president and CEO of Mile2. “Merit continues to attract widespread attention from both the private and public sectors with their state of the art cyber range and their blended learning capabilities. Congrats to Merit Network for all their hard work. They surely deserve it!”
Through its collaboration with Mile2, Merit offers cybersecurity certification courses in digital forensics, disaster recovery, ethical hacking, incident handling, wireless security, penetration testing and other cybersecurity disciplines. All courses are NSA CNSS-accredited, as well as NIST and NICCS mapped. Merit Members may receive these courses at discounted rates.
