Specifics of creating the Cybersecurity Virtual Laboratory for distance learning

Abstract

Currently, in conditions of distance learning of students, the problem of the organization of practical and laboratory works acquires special importance. This mainly applies to technical universities, where training in normal conditions is carried out on real equipment and using specialized software. As a result, there is an urgent need to create virtual labs as an effective platform for distance learning for students, particularly in the field of cybersecurity. In this case, one of the effective solutions is to create and deploy a Cybersecurity Virtual Laboratory (CVLab) for distance learning, which will help ensure continuous quality training of future professionals. Besides, distance learning must not be for informational purposes only. Therefore, the formation of practical skills of students requires rapid development and implementation of the effective means of distance learning. Recently, the trend of virtualization of both networks and computers has developed intensively, which allows the development and implementation of more flexible types of virtualized laboratory solutions, including for distance learning. The number of virtualization tools, as well as the latest network equipment created to work in a virtual environment (hypervisors) is increasing. Thus, virtualization allows us to overcome the limitations of traditional networks and hardware network laboratories, given their high cost, power consumption, stability, a limited number of devices, and so on. The introduction of the virtual cybersecurity laboratory CVLab in order to increase the effectiveness of distance education meets the objectives of the Cybersecurity Strategy of Ukraine, as well as priorities and areas of its provision, ranging from general digital literacy to training of security sector actors.