NextGen Cyber: The future of cybersecurity

U.S. Cyber Range of Virginia Tech
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Education
  • Updated Monthly

Welcome to NextGen Cyber, the monthly podcast from the U.S. Cyber Range at Virginia Tech. Join us as we explore essential skills, innovative training, and industry insights with leaders, educators, and students. We cover everything from hands-on learning and certification pathways to mentorship and career development. Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or an experienced professional looking to guide new talent, NextGen Cyber is a resource for navigating the evolving field of cybersecurity.

  1. Mar 27

    The Strategy Behind Capture the Flag

    What does it take to succeed in a Capture the Flag competition? In this episode, we go inside the world of CTFs from both the competitor and challenge designer perspective. From strategy and team dynamics to challenge design and career pathways, we break down what makes CTFs such a powerful tool for learning cybersecurity and preparing for the workforce.

    The Strategy Behind Capture the Flag

  2. Feb 19

    AP Cybersecurity and the Path Forward

    We're joined by Dane Brown, an AP Cybersecurity Reader and cybersecurity professor at the United States Naval Academy, and Andy Tucker of the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program to discuss the development of AP Cybersecurity and its role in preparing students for what comes next.

    AP Cybersecurity and the Path Forward

  3. Jan 28

    Scaling Cyber Ranges for Real-World Readiness

    In this episode, we talk about how people actually build cyber readiness through practice, repetition, and learning in environments where it is okay to try, fail, and try again. The conversation focuses on what helps learners build confidence and practical skills over time, beyond just tools or theory. Guest Jessica Gulick (Katzcy / U.S. Cyber Games) joins the discussion to share insights from her experience working across education, cyber ranges, and competition-based learning.

    Scaling Cyber Ranges for Real-World Readiness

  4. 11/28/2025

    Staying Safe and Smart Online

    Shannon Beck talks with teacher Kristi Rice and student Jake Goodwin about what internet safety looks like in schools today, how students navigate digital life, and how these early lessons connect to cybersecurity awareness.

    Staying Safe and Smart Online

  5. 10/31/2025

    Cybersecurity Challenges That Shape Voter Confidence

    As election season approaches, how do cybersecurity experts help safeguard one of democracy’s most essential processes: voting? In this episode of NextGen Cyber, host Shannon Beck, Director of the U.S. Cyber Range and Virginia Cyber Range, talks with Jeremy Epstein, Principal Research Scientist and Co-Director of the Institute for Cybersecurity and Resilient Infrastructure Studies (ICARUS) at Georgia Tech Research Institute. Together, they explore how thousands of local jurisdictions manage election technology, why cybersecurity is as much about public trust as it is about technical defense, and how education and workforce development play a vital role in protecting the integrity of our elections. Tune in for an insightful look at the intersection of technology, policy, and democracy, and learn how the next generation of cybersecurity professionals can help defend the systems that make every vote count.

    Cybersecurity Challenges That Shape Voter Confidence

  6. 09/30/2025

    People First in Cyber Hiring

    What really makes a cybersecurity graduate stand out? Prescient CEO Jack McKenna says it’s less about checking every technical box and more about curiosity, communication, and being the kind of colleague others want to work with. In this episode, he shares why writing and people skills matter, how to build confidence through experiential learning, and why getting a foot in the door—anywhere—can be the smartest first move.

    People First in Cyber Hiring

  7. 08/27/2025

    Building Better Cyber Curriculum

    A cyber range is only as good as the curriculum behind it. Dr. Joe Adams explains why content, not just technology, determines success, how hands-on labs turn theory into practical skills, and why building your own range is harder than it looks. From tailoring lessons for freshmen to preparing seniors for complex projects, he offers practical advice to help educators create impactful, real-world cybersecurity learning experiences.

    Building Better Cyber Curriculum

  8. 06/30/2025

    Where Hands-On Meets Hometown

    Jeff Johnston, Program Director and Instructor at North Georgia Technical College, joins the podcast to share how he launched a brand-new cybersecurity program in the North Georgia mountains. Hear how the U.S. Cyber Range helped streamline hands-on learning, the impact it's had on student engagement and employability, and Jeff’s vision for scaling experiential cybersecurity education across departments and campuses. From building student confidence to preparing job-ready graduates, this episode dives into the real-world impact of bringing cyber skills to life in the classroom.

    Where Hands-On Meets Hometown
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About

Welcome to NextGen Cyber, the monthly podcast from the U.S. Cyber Range at Virginia Tech. Join us as we explore essential skills, innovative training, and industry insights with leaders, educators, and students. We cover everything from hands-on learning and certification pathways to mentorship and career development. Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or an experienced professional looking to guide new talent, NextGen Cyber is a resource for navigating the evolving field of cybersecurity.

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