For Immediate Release
April 8, 2026

Suffolk County Community College Showcases Cybersecurity Program with Cyber Range Demonstration

Mary Lou Araneo, Vice President for Institutional Advancement; Legislator Greg Doroski; John Pastorelli, Legislative Aide to Presiding Officer Piccirillo; Irene Rios, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Wesley Francillon, Associate Professor of Engineering; Presiding Officer of the Suffolk County Legislature Anthony Piccirillo; Joseph Pontorno, Legislative Aide to Legislator Dominick Thorne; Jon Sadowski, Adjunct Instructor – Cybersecurity; Dr. Edward Bonahue, President-Suffolk County Community College. For a hi-res image, visit: https://photos.app.goo.gl/h12WYC2oKTt3Xr929

Suffolk County Community College recently hosted members from the Suffolk County Legislature for an exclusive presentation on its Cybersecurity program. Legislators received an overview of the academic program, including the real-time cyber threats being faced daily by the general population.

A featured presentation by Michael Morganelli from Cisco Systems offered industry insight into current cybersecurity trends and workforce needs, reinforcing the importance of partnerships between higher education and leading technology companies.

The day’s program concluded with a live demonstration in the college’s new Cyber Range—a controlled, simulated digital environment that replicates real-world networks and cyberattacks. Legislators were encouraged to participate in a hands-on cybersecurity experience, working side-by-side with students currently enrolled in the cybersecurity program. The students were able to work side-by-side with the legislators in a simulated real-world cyberattack. The immersive session offered a firsthand look at how cybersecurity students develop the skills needed to identify vulnerabilities and defend systems against such incidents without risk to actual infrastructure.

“Suffolk County Community College’s Cybersecurity Program continues to equip students with the technical expertise and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in one of today’s fastest-growing and most essential industries,” said Dr. Edward Bonahue, Suffolk County Community College President.

For more information about Suffolk County Community College’s Cybersecurity Program, visit www.sunysuffolk.edu

About Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College is the largest, most comprehensive community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling more than 26,000 students in over 100 degree and certificate programs. With approximately 145,000 alumni, Suffolk County Community College is dedicated to meeting the demands of regional employers. The college has built an extensive track record of successfully training and educating its students through pathways from high school to college and into careers.