FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
cb20 and Fortinet Help Power New Cyber Lab at Alfred State to Train the Next Generation of Cyber Defenders
Partnership advances security-first workforce development through real-world cyber training
Alfred State students engage in hands-on cybersecurity training in the new Cyber Lab, a live cyber range designed to simulate real-world attacks and defenses.
ALFRED, N.Y. — April 29, 2026 — cb20, an award-winning, security-first IT and audio visual services provider, joined Fortinet and Alfred State College to celebrate the opening of its new Cyber Lab—designed to deliver real-world cybersecurity training and prepare students to lead in an increasingly high-risk digital environment. With cybersecurity talent shortages impacting organizations nationwide, the need for hands-on, real-world training has never been more urgent.
The lab serves as a fully operational cyber range, enabling students to simulate live cyberattacks, identify vulnerabilities, and execute mitigation strategies in a controlled environment. It also supports ethical hacking exercises and advanced threat scenarios, giving students direct experience with the same tools and challenges they will face in the field.
For cb20, the project represents more than a partnership – it reflects a commitment to advancing a security-first standard and investing in the future of the cybersecurity workforce.
“Cybersecurity is no longer a layer – it’s the foundation everything runs on,” said DJ Hansen, Senior Vice President of Sales at cb20. “We’re proud to partner with Alfred State and Fortinet on this initiative—not only to support another SUNY institution, but because preparing the next generation of cyber leaders is critical to the future of every organization we serve.”
That impact was clear throughout the opening event, where students filled the lab and surrounding spaces – engaging with faculty and industry professionals, exploring the technology, and experiencing firsthand what a real cyber environment looks like.
Many expressed strong enthusiasm about having access to this level of hands-on training, recognizing it as a meaningful advantage as they prepare for careers in cybersecurity.
New York State Senators George Borello and Tom O’Mara, alongside New York Assemblymember Joseph Sempolinski, joined the celebration, emphasizing the facility’s role in advancing experiential learning for students and delivering long-term value to the surrounding community.
Also in attendance were County Legislator Brooke Harris, representatives from Jefferson Community College, colleagues from Alfred University, and members of the Alfred State College Council and Development Fund Boards.
Alfred State’s Cybersecurity Bachelor of Technology program already emphasizes applied learning and workforce readiness, with strong job placement outcomes and national-level competition success. The addition of the cyber lab further strengthens that foundation, bridging the gap between theory and execution.
“This is what the industry has been asking for – graduates who don’t just understand cybersecurity, but can execute,” Hansen added. “This lab gives students the ability to operate in real-world conditions from day one. That’s how you build confidence. That’s how you build leaders.”
The initiative also represents a broader investment in regional resilience – strengthening the pipeline of cybersecurity talent entering critical sectors, including healthcare, education, government, and infrastructure.
For cb20, the partnership aligns directly with its evolution as a security-first MSSP, where cybersecurity is embedded across every environment – from IT infrastructure to data systems to AV-enabled technologies.
“We talk about protecting environments every day, but this is about protecting the future,” Hansen said. “These students will be the ones securing organizations, defending data, and driving resilience across industries. If we want stronger outcomes, we have to invest in stronger preparation. This is exactly that.”
Media Contact:
Eli King Conklin
Director, Marketing & Communications, cb20
(914) 960-4160
econklin@cb20.com
About cb20
cb20 is an award-winning provider of managed IT and audio visual services, supporting organizations across the Northeast. With more than 35 years of experience, world-class engineering talent, and a security-first approach, cb20 delivers secure, resilient technology environments that enable confidence, control, and consistent operational performance for the organizations it serves.