How Often Are Exercise Environments Updated?¶

Abstract

This article explains our operation system update schedule, how long an environment can be expected to be available after a new release, and our environment identification structure. For more information on exercise environments as a concept, please visit our Exercise Environments and Their Statuses Explained article.

In order to provide the best material for our users, we aim to update our environments according to the following schedules:

July Release¶

July Release Environments
Kali Linux – Desktop
Kali Linux – Terminal
Kali with Metasploitable3
Kali with Windows Server
Kali with Vulnerable Windows
Cyber Basics
K12 Cyber Security Concepts Using Kali Linux
Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2022
OPNsense firewall with Multiple Networks

December Release¶

December Release Environments
Debian 11 – Desktop
Debian 12 – Desktop
Ubuntu 22.04 - Desktop
Ubuntu 22.04 - Terminal
Ubuntu 22.04 Desktop and Ubuntu 22.04 Terminal
Ubuntu 24.04 - Desktop
Ubuntu 24.04 - Terminal
Ubuntu 24.04 Desktop and Ubuntu 24.04 Terminal
Ubuntu with Snort
Ubuntu with Cisco Packet Tracer
Brigante
SANS SIFT Workstation
CentOS 7 – Desktop

How Long Are Environments Available?¶

Once a new environment has been released, a deprecation notice will be displayed at the top of the previous version of that same environment to allow instructors ample time to prepare for classes. The Cyber Range will then deprecate the aforementioned environments six (6) months after a new release. This is done to keep our material up-to-date, meet compliance standards, prevent system instability and to address vendor support termination.

Tip

If an environment has been deprecated and you'd still like access to it, please contact us at support@uscyberrange.org with details on your course and how long you anticipate using the environment for.

How Are Environment Releases Named?¶

Our exercise environments follow a specific naming structure in order to differentiate between operating systems, versions, and releases to help provide adequate information on what an environment contains.

OS Name: The specific name or identifier of an operating system (e.g., Windows, MacOS, Ubuntu).
OS Version: The specific release or iteration of an operating system, reflecting updates, features, and fixes (e.g., Windows 11, Ubuntu 22.04).
Cyber Range Release: The year and month when the Cyber Range made the image available for use (e.g. 2025.12).

Have a Question? Contact Support¶

We're here to help you. If you still have questions after reviewing the information above, please feel free to submit a ticket with our Support Team and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.