Marshall University Breaks Ground on Institute for Cyber Security in Huntington, WV

Marshall University in Huntington, WV is making strides in the fight against cyber attacks with the groundbreaking of their new Institute for Cyber Security. With a focus on designing infrastructure to defend against cyber threats, this new addition to the campus is set to prepare students for the ever-evolving challenges of cybersecurity.

Funded by a combination of state and federal resources, including a $5 million donation from the United States Department of Defense, the Institute for Cyber Security is set to be a state-of-the-art facility with 13 research laboratories, classrooms, and a conference room dedicated to educating the community on cyber threats.

With cyber attacks on the rise, the need for trained professionals in cybersecurity is more important than ever. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report of 2023, over 880,000 criminal complaints were filed due to cyber attacks, resulting in potentially $12.5 billion being stolen. The Institute for Cyber Security aims to address this growing issue by providing top-notch training and resources to students and professionals alike.

Lieutenant General Robert J. Skinner, a Commander in the United States Cyber Command, praised Marshall University for their high national rankings in collegiate cyber attack courses, stating that the institute will help leverage the talent in West Virginia and the Midwest.

Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) also expressed her excitement for the project, highlighting the potential benefits it could bring to the state. With an international draw for cybersecurity training, West Virginia could become a leader in the field.

Construction on the Institute for Cyber Security is set to be completed in the Fall of 2026, with school officials emphasizing that the benefits of the institute will extend beyond active students to alumni, industry professionals, and government agencies. With a focus on community education and collaboration, Marshall University is poised to make a significant impact in the fight against cyber threats.