Optimizing Cybersecurity Education: A Comparative Study of On-Premises and Cloud-Based Lab Environments Using AWS EC2

Abstract

The increasing complexity of cybersecurity risks highlights the critical need for novel teaching techniques that provide students with the necessary skills and information. Traditional on-premises laboratory setups frequently lack the scalability, flexibility, and accessibility necessary for efficient training in today’s dynamic world. This study compares the efficacy of cloud-based solutions—specifically, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2)—against traditional settings like VirtualBox, with the goal of determining their potential to improve cybersecurity education. The study conducts systematic experimentation to compare lab environments based on parameters such as lab completion time, CPU and RAM use, and ease of access. The results show that AWS EC2 outperforms VirtualBox by shortening lab completion times, optimizing resource usage, and providing more remote accessibility. Additionally, the cloud-based strategy provides scalable, cost-effective implementation via a pay-per-use model, serving a wide range of pedagogical needs. These findings show that incorporating cloud technology into cybersecurity curricula can lead to more efficient, adaptable, and inclusive learning experiences, thereby boosting pedagogical methods in the field.