Merit Network has been selected by Mile2 as the North American Authorized Training Center (ATC) of 2013. Merit was chosen from over 100 Mile2 Authorized Training Center locations around the world. One ATC from each of five global regions was chosen to receive this annual award.

Mile2 selected Merit for demonstrating a proven dedication to the cause of promoting cybersecurity through the efforts of the Michigan Cyber Range. To become a Mile2 ATC, organizations must go through an official process to gain the right to deliver Mile2 training in their region. This was Merit's first year as a Mile2 Training Center.

In January 2013, Merit announced a partnership with Mile2 to provide cybersecurity courseware and certifications through the Michigan Cyber Range. Hosted by Merit, the Michigan Cyber Range provides students, faculty, and IT professionals with a cloud-based cybersecurity education platform. Many courses are delivered live online, where instructors conduct class live over the Internet with students attending from locations around the world.

"It's with great pleasure that we award the ATC of the year to Merit," said Ray Friedman, President and CEO of Mile2. "The Cyber Range program coupled with the Mile2 cybersecurity certifications have so much promise together that we are certain they'll  have a profound affect in Michigan's Information Systems security space."

Through its collaboration with Mile2, Merit offers cybersecurity certification courses in disaster recovery, digital forensics, ethical hacking, wireless security, penetration testing and more.  All courses are NSA CNSS-accredited, as well as NIST and NICCS mapped. Merit Members may receive these courses at discounted rates.

Students and IT professionals that train on the Michigan Cyber Range gain the skills to combat ever-changing attack and infiltration techniques, creating a workforce that is incredibly valuable in a crisis.

Mile2 is a developer and provider of vendor neutral professional certifications for the cybersecurity industry.