Paving the Future of Cybersecurity

In a world that is increasingly reliant on technology, strong cybersecurity is a matter of not only personal and business safety but also national security. With increasing needs as technology continues growing and developing, West Virginia is positioning itself as a hub for cybersecurity. Specifically, West Virginia University (WVU) and Marshall University are paving the way with cybersecurity centers that are shaping the nation’s future.

“I knew from the beginning that West Virginia had the ability to become the nation’s premier source of cybersecurity knowledge and leadership that could enable the cybersecurity, operations and defense of America’s civilian and military cyber infrastructure,” says Bill Walker, senior adviser for national security and cyberspace programs at WVU. “The instant buy-in and willingness to work with national security partners showed me this state can be the exemplar public, private and academic partnership and be of great value to federal, state and local governments alike.”

At WVU, the Cyber Resilience Resource Center (CRRC) focuses on preparing businesses and critical infrastructure to absorb a cyberattack and keep going instead of slowly recovering after one occurs. The center works to make cybersecurity real, practical and within reach.

“At the CRRC, we equip West Virginia’s organizations with the tools, training and support needed to stay ahead of cyber threats,” says Christopher Ramezan, Ph.D., CISSP, CISM, assistant professor of cybersecurity at WVU and executive director of the CRRC. “We give students real-world experience alongside top industry experts. Through collaboration across higher education, government and industry, we help protect critical infrastructure, strengthen local economies, build a more robust workforce and ensure West Virginia is not just ready but resilient.”

The CRRC supports a large range of needs, including cyber risk assessments, tailored network and data solutions and optimized IT systems and processes. More than that, according to Ramezan, WVU has become a national leader in cybersecurity research, outreach and education. The CRRC’s dynamic capabilities are paving a path forward.

“Our primary goal for West Virginia is to bring together education, government and industry under a shared vision: to protect critical infrastructure, support workforce development and continue to elevate West Virginia’s role on the national cybersecurity stage,” Walker says. “Our efforts are defensive in nature but are also proactive as they focus on innovation, resilience and preparing the next generation of cyber professionals.”

For the CRRC, part of being proactive includes leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance its abilities. Although AI has risks as cybercriminals are also using it, Ramezan sees it as a useful tool.

“AI is game-changing for cybersecurity professionals and organizations as it helps us analyze and find patterns in the vast amount of network, IT and cyber-related data cyber analysts sift through every day,” Ramezan says. “Cybersecurity data really is big data, and AI and machine learning algorithms can help to identify and detect patterns in cyberattacks and mitigate incidents at a speed and scale that is just impossible for humans.”

Some of today’s largest vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure come from the convergence of legacy systems with modern technology, human error and a lower barrier of entry for adversaries. AI can help identify those vulnerabilities more quickly. That is why continued research and innovation are pivotal—areas in which WVU is already blazing trails.

“WVU has established itself as a national leader in cybersecurity research, outreach and education,” Ramezan says. “As the land-grant, flagship, R1 institution in the state, we’ve attracted world-class researchers in cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection and national security.”

The CRRC’s proficiencies are helping position West Virginia as a leader in cybersecurity. The entire state is strengthening its cyber ecosystem by working with state and federal agencies and maintaining partnerships that lay the foundation for development and research.

“When you combine the amazing work at WVU with the state’s investment in the Institute for Cybersecurity (ICS) facility in Huntington and its surrounding innovation district, it is easy to see why the Department of Defense and the private sector would find West Virginia to be the right place at the right time for investment in the future of cyber,” Walker says.

At Marshall, Alexandria Donathan, executive director of the ICS, leads the charge in strategic direction, operations and external partnerships for the institute.

“My role involves aligning our educational, research and outreach initiatives with national cybersecurity priorities while creating real-world training environments for students, focusing on innovation, workforce development and community resilience
in cybersecurity,” she says.

Donathan’s vision is to position Marshall’s ICS as a national leader in cybersecurity education, innovation, workforce readiness and applied research.

“We want to build an environment where students graduate not only with theoretical knowledge but with hands-on experience solving real-world cyber challenges,” Donathan says. “My background in defense operations taught me the urgency of cyber defense operations and the importance of interoperability between sectors. That experience drives our focus on building a mission-ready talent pipeline to meet real security demands across government and industry.”

The Marshall ICS earned the designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity because of its bachelor’s degree in cyber forensics and security.

“This recognition means students are getting a top-tier education aligned with national standards, giving them a competitive edge in the cybersecurity industry,” Donathan says. “The program is designed to meet the high expectations of leading employers, including government agencies like the National Security Agency and Department of Defense, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to tackle the ever-changing cyber landscape.”

Marshall’s program truly shines when it comes to hands-on learning opportunities. Students not only work with professional-grade labs and tools, but they are also exposed to real-world scenarios along with internship and research opportunities.

“The ICS at Marshall is built on the idea that students should be able to do the work, not just learn about it,” Donathan says. “From running a student-led security operations center where they monitor and analyze threats in real-time to participating in cyber range exercises like red/blue team simulations, students get to practice in environments that closely mirror the real thing. They also compete in national events such as the National Cyber League, which helps them develop quick thinking under pressure. Plus, students engage in community projects that provide assessments and training for local organizations, giving them practical experience and leadership opportunities.”

Like WVU, Marshall understands the serious challenges that come with AI and how it can be weaponized, but students are also studying how to use it to analyze data and detect threats.

“We’re preparing future professionals by incorporating AI and machine learning into our curriculum so students aren’t just learning traditional cybersecurity skills but also understanding how to leverage AI ethically and effectively,” says John Sammons, associate director of the ICS.

With the establishment of the National Center of Excellence for Cyber Security in Critical Infrastructure, Marshall’s ICS has the opportunity to play a significant role in cybersecurity nationally.

“By developing specialized research, advanced training and effective mitigation strategies, they are directly addressing the complex cybersecurity challenges faced by essential sectors like power, water and transportation,” Donathan says. “The center’s collaborations with federal agencies and industry partners enable a seamless connection between policy, operational needs and innovative solutions, ensuring a coordinated and forward-looking approach to infrastructure protection.”

The Marshall ICS is also making an impact locally.

“Located in the 4th Avenue Innovation District, the ICS fosters collaboration with startups and research groups, turning innovative ideas into real economic growth and jobs downtown,” Sammons says. “Overall, it’s shaping the region’s future by strengthening cybersecurity and boosting regional development at the same time.”

Together, WVU and Marshall are proving the future of cybersecurity can be built right here in the Mountain State. With a commitment to continued education, innovation and collaboration, West Virginia is creating a resilient cyber ecosystem that is prepared to face cybersecurity head-on as the next generation is being trained.

“West Virginia has the unique opportunity to lead in the cybersecurity space thanks to our deep-rooted resilience, public service ethos and innovative growth mindset—all coupled with our accessible geographic location and our strong tradition in critical infrastructure sectors,” Walker says. “We are building a statewide cyber ecosystem by working closely with state and federal agencies and industry experts. These partnerships are strengthening collaboration among state governments, universities, businesses and national leaders, which opens the door for shared research, workforce development and a stronger cyber future.”