ICS Overview
The Institute for Cyber Security (ICS) is Marshall University’s statewide hub for cybersecurity education, applied research, workforce development, and real-world cyber operations. The ICS strengthens cyber readiness across West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region by integrating hands-on training, mission-driven partnerships, and operational capabilities across IT/OT, and cyber defense.
The ICS is a mission-focused institute that integrates education, real-world cyber operations, and applied innovation to strengthen cybersecurity readiness across government, industry, education, and critical infrastructure sectors.
The ICS supports the full cybersecurity lifecycle, including cyber range operations, digital forensics, incident response, SCADA/OT defense, drone and UAS cybersecurity research, workforce development, and K–12 and community outreach. The ICS accelerates impact across students, professionals, municipalities, healthcare organizations, and private industry partners.
Our Mission
The Institute for Cyber Security develops workforce-ready cybersecurity professionals through hands-on, real-world operating environments grounded in excellence in education and research, training, and collaboration, capable of immediately contributing to global cyber defense and innovation.
What We Do
The ICS provides comprehensive, real-world cybersecurity capabilities through:
- Delivering hands-on cyber training, exercises and readiness programs
- Applied research in digital forensics, defensive cyber operations, critical infrastructure defense, AI/ML applications in cybersecurity, autonomous and unmanned system forensics and other emerging domains.
- Providing workforce development pathways through microcredentials, workshops, internships and community programs
- Partnering with industry, government and education to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities across sectors
- Building operational cyber readiness through real-world simulations, cyber range operations and IT/OT defense initiatives
Our Approach
The ICS blends academic excellence with operational readiness. Our programs bridge student learning with practical, real-world cybersecurity experience. Partnerships with government, industry, and research organizations ensure every initiative aligns with evolving threats, mission needs, and workforce demands.
The ICS operates with a forward-leaning, impact-driven approach—connecting education, applied research, and cyber operations to strengthen digital resilience across the region.