Developed by Marshall Online and funded through a grant from the Marshall University Research Corporation in partnership with the West Virginia Digital Identity Tech Hub, the course brings together leading industry experts to deliver practical, forward-looking training in identity security.
“Business has entered the digitized era where systems across industry sectors are interconnected, and digital identity is fast becoming core to the operating systems of modern industry,” said Sarah Biller, cofounder of Vantage Ventures, West Virginia Digital Identity Hub, FinTech Sandbox and Capital Market Exchange (CMX). “Marshall University’s foresight to design curriculum that equips the next generation of industry leaders with a clear understanding of how identity systems work and where the risks lie is an extraordinary step toward improving online security while enabling innovation at scale. U.S. businesses have an unprecedented opportunity to improve productivity and personalize customer service through technology, but also an obligation to lower the possibility of fraud. With Marshall’s leadership, they will now have the native talent to do so.”
The microcredential was shaped during a collaborative planning session hosted at Marshall’s iCenter, where regional subject matter experts worked alongside Marshall’s instructional design team to define learning objectives and real-world applications. The team later filmed interviews and developed course content using insights from these industry leaders.
Contributors to the course include:
• Sarah Biller – Vantage Ventures, West Virginia Digital Identity Hub, FinTech Sandbox and Capital Market Exchange (CMX)
• Tricia Ball – Marshall University iCenter
• Alex Donathan – Marshall University Institute for Cyber Security
• Julie Dawson – YOTI
• Jeremy Haynes – ID.me
• Ariana Shives – TechConnect West Virginia
• Jessica Sell – Rank One Computing
• Scott Swann – Rank One Computing
In an era shaped by AI-driven fraud, biometric authentication and emerging quantum threats, the microcredential equips learners with both technical knowledge and strategic insight.
“Digital identity is no longer just a technical construct; it is the front line of cybersecurity,” said Alex Donathan, director of Marshall’s Institute for Cyber Security. “Protecting identity means protecting access, systems and ultimately the resilience of mission-critical systems and the defense of our nation.”
Course participants will explore topics including multi-factor authentication, biometrics and passwordless security; industry tools such as Okta, Microsoft Entra ID and Amazon Web Services Identity and Access Management; blockchain and self-sovereign identity; and real-world breach analysis with strategies to mitigate AI-driven fraud.
The self-paced course is designed for IT professionals, business leaders and anyone seeking to better protect their personal or organizational digital identity.
“Everyone has a digital identity, whether they know it or not,” said Ariana Shives, executive director of TechConnect West Virginia. “Every time you log into an account, apply for a job online or share information on your phone, your digital identity is at work. This microcredential was designed to help everyday people understand what that means, take control of it and protect themselves in an increasingly digital world. I’m proud that West Virginia is leading the way in making this education accessible to everyone, at any age.”
Learn more about this course and enroll through the Marshall Skills Exchange at https://marshalluniversity2.my.site.com/skills/s/skillsexchange?pId=a2zV400000MBbSbIAL