NextGen Cyber: The future of cybersecurity

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 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.

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.

Virginia Tech’s Randy Marchany reflects on 50 years in tech, from Unix sysadmin days to shaping the U.S. Cyber Range. Hear how a hacker incident launched his cybersecurity journey, why hands-on learning matters more than ever, and how AI and operational tech are reshaping the future. A must-listen for educators, students, and anyone passionate about cyber defense and digital resilience.

Discover how hands-on cybersecurity education is shaping the next generation of cyber professionals. In this episode of NextGen Cyber, University of Virginia student Bogdan Antonenko shares how using the Cyber Range has transformed his computer science studies. From learning Linux basics to excelling in Capture the Flag competitions, Bogdan dives into real-world cybersecurity skills, teamwork, and what it takes to stand out in the tech industry. Perfect for students, educators, and anyone interested in cybersecurity careers, experiential learning, and the future of cyber defense.

How do you scale cybersecurity education across an entire state? In this episode of Next Gen Cyber: The Future of Cybersecurity, host Becky Freemal sits down with Jack Seuss (VP of IT & CIO, UMBC) and Laura Mateczun (Director of Cybersecurity Initiatives, UMBC) to explore Maryland’s groundbreaking approach to cybersecurity training. Learn how the state partnered with Virginia Tech’s U.S. Cyber Range to provide hands-on learning opportunities for K-12, community colleges, and universities, all while keeping costs low and accessibility high.

Jim Tippey, Department Chair of IT and Cybersecurity for Excelsior University joins us to discuss how hands-on learning, flexible education, and ethical considerations are shaping the future of cybersecurity. Discover how non-traditional learners and working professionals are gaining the skills needed to tackle real-world challenges, and learn how industry and academia are collaborating to address the cybersecurity workforce gap.

Join us as we dive into the inspiring story behind the U.S. Cyber Range with David Raymond, Associate VP for Security and Identity at Virginia Tech. Learn how this groundbreaking platform is transforming cybersecurity education, empowering educators, and equipping students with the skills to tackle real-world challenges. From its Virginia roots to nationwide impact, discover how the U.S. Cyber Range is shaping the future of cybersecurity learning.

On this episode of NextGen Cyber, we welcome Angela Orebaugh, Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia, to discuss the Virginia Cyber Navigator Internship Program and the impact of hands-on cybersecurity education. Learn how students are gaining real-world skills to safeguard election security and exploring unique career paths in public service. Perfect for students, educators, and anyone interested in the future of cybersecurity.

In this episode of the "NextGen Cyber" podcast, we sit down with Pat McShea, Program Manager for Cyber Mission Operations at CACI. Pat shares his insights on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and emphasizes the critical role of soft skills like communication and problem-solving in the field. He believes these skills often outweigh technical expertise, especially for new graduates. "It's not necessarily what you learn; it's that you learn," says Pat, highlighting the need for adaptability in our fast-changing environment. This conversation is especially timely as organizations continue to face a talent gap in cybersecurity, underscoring the need to nurture both soft skills and technical training in future professionals. Tune in for valuable insights that could shape your career in cybersecurity!