Applied Research
The Institute for Cyber Security at Marshall University conducts applied cybersecurity research that strengthens readiness, resilience, and innovation for communities, industry, government, public-sector organizations, and critical infrastructure partners.
ICS connects research to real operational needs through hands-on experimentation, technical training, scenario-based analysis, and cross-sector collaboration. This work supports practical problem solving, cybersecurity workforce development, and mission-focused cyber capabilities across West Virginia, Appalachia, and beyond.
Unmanned Systems and Aviation Security
The Institute for Cyber Security at Marshall University supports applied cybersecurity research and training focused on unmanned systems, aviation security, drone and UAS analysis, and emerging threats to connected airspace and critical infrastructure environments.
This work brings together cybersecurity, aviation, public safety, homeland security, and investigative perspectives to strengthen preparedness, improve technical understanding, and support mission-focused response to evolving unmanned systems challenges.
Confirmed activities include:
- UAV security and forensics research
- Drone cybersecurity exercises and technical analysis
- Counter-UAS and secure drone operations
- Aviation cybersecurity and cyber hygiene for flight operations
- Drone risk assessment, threat detection, and telemetry analysis
- Hands-on training for students and practitioners in cyber-aviation environments
Investigative Innovation
The Institute for Cyber Security at Marshall University supports investigative innovation through applied learning, technical training, and hands-on exposure to modern cyber investigation methods. This work connects digital forensics, chip-off extraction, device-level analysis, evidence handling, and emerging investigative technologies to help students, law enforcement, public-sector partners, and cybersecurity practitioners build practical capabilities for real-world investigative and cybersecurity environments.
The ICS supports digital forensics research and development through:
- Digital forensics and evidence handling
- Chip-off extraction and device-level analysis
- Data recovery and technical investigation methods
- Emerging investigative technologies
- Hands-on training for students, law enforcement, and practitioners
Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure
The Institute for Cyber Security at Marshall University supports cybersecurity readiness for critical infrastructure sectors by examining how information technology, operational technology, SCADA systems, and industrial control environments connect across essential services.
This work helps students and practitioners understand cybersecurity risks that can affect connected systems, operational processes, and public service delivery. Through lab-based training, scenario planning, and practical analysis, the Institute helps strengthen preparedness for cyber incidents that may disrupt critical infrastructure operations.
Focus areas:
- Information technology and operational technology risk
- SCADA systems and industrial control environments
- Operational technology lab-based training
- Critical infrastructure cyber readiness
- Scenario planning for service disruption and operational impact
- Practical analysis of connected systems and essential services
Cyber Operations and Threat Response
The Institute for Cyber Security at Marshall University supports applied learning and research in cyber operations and threat response through scenario-based exercises, technical analysis, and operational decision-making practice.
This work helps students and practitioners examine how organizations detect, assess, communicate, and respond to cyber incidents while strengthening coordination, resilience, and readiness across real-world operating environments.
The ICS conducts scenario driven cyber operations simulations:
- Cyber operations and threat response
- Scenario-based incident response exercises
- Threat detection and technical analysis
- Operational communication and decision-making
- Cyber readiness and resilience planning