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<!-- Interim version (2026-09-19): points to the shared spreadsheet until the list is formatted for the wiki. The full table version is drafts/Practice_Images.wiki in the project folder and in this page's history. -->
Author(s): (add name) <br /> Last Updated: 9-18-2026

'''Practice images''' are virtual machines (and Cisco Packet Tracer activity files) that someone has built to look like a neglected, vulnerable system. You harden them the way you would a real one: find the problems, fix them and answer the forensic questions, ideally under a time limit. They are the best way to get hands-on practice for competitions such as CyberPatriot without touching a system you care about.

== The list ==

The community's list of practice images for Windows, Linux and Cisco Packet Tracer, with difficulty, ratings, creators and download links, is kept in a shared spreadsheet:

'''[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cdVHtk4w5JDJCYy-EO2_ycr0ZqMgUyjFOVDn5Y8eGVw/edit?usp=sharing Practice images spreadsheet]'''

== Before you download ==

* '''Use a virtual machine and take a snapshot first.''' Some images deliberately contain malware-like programs, backdoors and unwanted software. Never run one on your everyday computer, and keep its network set to NAT or host-only.
* '''WikiCyber does not host, review or guarantee these files.''' They sit on third-party sites (mostly Google Drive) and links break or move. An image may also be broken or out of date.
* '''Any logins or extraction passwords in the spreadsheet are for the practice images only.''' Never reuse them anywhere real.
* '''Large and multi-part downloads are normal.''' Use [https://www.7-zip.org/ 7-Zip] to extract them, and read the README inside each image before you start.
* '''Try before you peek.''' Where a walkthrough or answer key exists, you learn far more if you work until you are truly out of ideas first.
* Cisco Packet Tracer activity files (<code>.pka</code>) need [https://www.netacad.com/ Cisco Packet Tracer], which Cisco offers through its Networking Academy.
* This list is unofficial and is not affiliated with CyberPatriot, the Air & Space Forces Association, Cisco or Microsoft. Each image belongs to its creator.

[[Category:Practice images]]