New Frontier in Cybersecurity for West Virginia’s Businesses

West Virginia University has secured a substantial $1.5 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to establish a groundbreaking center dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity and cyber-resilience across the state’s business landscape.

Replacing direct quotes with descriptive sentences, the Cyber-Resilience Resource Center is poised to revolutionize cybersecurity practices in West Virginia by offering specialized training and support, with a strong focus on assisting small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and essential infrastructure entities.

By leveraging student talent and faculty expertise, the center aims to empower over 200 students with practical cybersecurity experience while delivering vital cybersecurity and resilience solutions to businesses statewide. Positioned as a beacon of cyber-resilience and defense, the center seeks to position West Virginia as a national leader in cybersecurity education and critical infrastructure protection.

Strategically located at Reynolds Hall as part of a statewide initiative, the CRRC will provide hands-on consulting, guidance, and technical services to aid organizations in all 55 counties. Furthermore, by assisting businesses in meeting compliance requirements and enhancing their eligibility for federal contracts, the center aims to drive economic growth and job creation in the region.

In a strategic partnership with the National Center of Excellence for Cybersecurity in Critical Infrastructure, the CRRC will elevate West Virginia’s critical infrastructure standards to bolster national security efforts. This visionary initiative stems from a student-led research project, underscoring the transformative impact of educational initiatives in the cybersecurity realm.

With the CRRC paving the way for experiential learning and job opportunities for students, West Virginia is poised to become a hub for cybersecurity innovation and talent development, ultimately safeguarding businesses and fostering economic prosperity in the region.

FAQ Section:

1. What is the purpose of the Cyber-Resilience Resource Center at West Virginia University?
The center aims to enhance cybersecurity and cyber-resilience across West Virginia’s business landscape by offering specialized training, support, and practical cybersecurity solutions.

2. Who is the target audience of the Cyber-Resilience Resource Center?
The center focuses on assisting small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and essential infrastructure entities in West Virginia.

3. What services does the Cyber-Resilience Resource Center provide?
The center provides hands-on consulting, guidance, technical services, and assistance to organizations in all 55 counties of West Virginia, helping them meet compliance requirements and improve eligibility for federal contracts.

4. How does the center contribute to economic growth and job creation in the region?
By supporting businesses in enhancing cybersecurity practices and eligibility for federal contracts, the center aims to drive economic growth and job creation in West Virginia.

Definitions:
– Cybersecurity: The practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks or unauthorized access.
– Cyber-resilience: The ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from cyber threats or incidents while continuing normal operations.

Suggested Related Links:
– West Virginia University