The FBI Built a Small Town to Simulate Cyberattacks
The FBI has constructed a full-scale small town to serve as a realistic training ground for cyberattack simulations. Known as the Kinetic Cyber Range, this facility features a fake hotel, a gas station, and even its own data center designed to attract protestors—all to create an immersive environment for response teams.
A Realistic Training Ground
By 2026, such physical-cyber hybrid ranges have become increasingly vital as nation-state actors and ransomware groups target critical infrastructure. The Kinetic Cyber Range allows trainees to practice defending not just virtual networks but also physical assets like utility controls, security systems, and even simulated public unrest. The inclusion of a protestor scenario reflects real-world events where cyber incidents can trigger civil disruption.
Why It Matters Now
With cyberattacks on infrastructure rising globally, immersive training that blurs the line between digital and physical threats is essential for preparedness. The FBI’s town is a cutting-edge example of how federal agencies are adapting to an era where a hack can have real-world consequences as tangible as a blackout or a gas leak.
Key Takeaways
- The facility includes a mock hotel, gas station, and data center.
- Trainees handle both cyber intrusions and physical protests.
- Such ranges are critical for 2026’s threat landscape, where hybrid attacks are the norm.
- The project underscores the growing need for cross-domain security exercises.
via The Verge