By Jud Fisher—
MUNCIE, IN—Last month, officials from the miliary, law enforcement, and local universities gathered in Muncie to discuss cybercrime, cybersecurity, and the future of workforce training for growing cyber needs.
Convened by Ball Brothers Foundation, the group was addressed by Major General Dale Lyles. Lyles commands the Indiana National Guard, a force of over 13,500 troops across Indiana who serve both in Indiana and abroad. Among the forces under Lyles’ command is the 127th Cyber Protection Battalion, a first-of-its kind unit in the Indiana National Guard which trains Hoosier citizen-soldiers to become cyber operations specialists able to defend cyber networks and address growing cyber threats.
Discussion centered on the current cyber workforce pipeline, future needs, and opportunities for collaboration. Participating organizations shared updates, including:
Anderson University—Center for Security Studies and Cyber Defense: Anderson’s CSSCD is a “cyber incubator” which recruits students for highly competitive, paid information security internships that provide 2-4 years of real-world, client-facing cybersecurity experience. Utilizing its talented intern base, the CSSCD provides lower cost information security services to small/medium sized businesses, local units of government, houses of worship and other non-profits. Students are recruited from both Anderson University and Ball State University. During the convening, Anderson officials shared plans to continue to grow internship opportunities.
Ball State University: BSU’sComputer Science department has been teaching cybersecurity and digital forensics classes for 17 years. The “Cybersecurity and Secure Software Design” concentration within the Computer Science major is among its most popular offerings. A wide range of government and industry partners deepen the student learning experience. Select students also work in a satellite location of Anderson University’s “Center for Security Studies and Cyber Defense” located on BSU’s campus. Representatives from the College of Sciences and Humanities shared plans for a new interdisciplinary forensic science major that will launch this fall, involving the departments of Computer Science, Criminal Justice & Criminology, Biology, Chemistry, and Psychological Sciences.
Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office: Home to one of the state’s regional High Tech Crime Units, the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office serves as a central repository for law enforcement agencies from across 11 counties in East Central Indiana that send digital devices for forensic analysis including cellphones, tablets, and laptops. The Unit shared plans to relocate to the Delaware County building in downtown Muncie. The move will allow the Unit to expand its footprint, build new training space, and further develop an internship program for Ball State students to gain hands-on digital forensics experience.
Indiana National Guard: Major General Lyles and members of his team shared insights into work that is underway to build cyber capabilities, brigades specifically trained in cyber electromagnetic activity, and more. Cyber soldiers are trained in defensive and offensive cyber operations, protecting both state and federal assets. Teams are located across the state of Indiana. The Indiana National Guard is actively recruiting U.S. citizens with bachelor’s degrees or higher in relevant STEM fields and/or advanced-level related industry certifications. Cyber soldiers receive extensive training and operational experience, as well as top secret security clearances, that are highly valued in soldiers’ civilian careers.
The convening was held at Ball State University’s “Indiana Connection Lounge,” an on-campus space inside BSU’s Career Center, used by employers desiring to connect with BSU students.
Following the convening, local law enforcement officials met with Major General Lyles to further discuss combatting cybercrime at the local level. Included were representatives from the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, the Muncie Police Department, and Ball State University’s Police Department. Each of these departments have sent officers to a special training course created in partnership with Ivy Tech to introduce information technology and cyber operations. Funding from Ball Brothers Foundation has also supported the purchase of equipment designed to help each of these departments collect and process digital evidence.
Ball Brothers Foundation has long supported funding for efforts to strengthen workforce development in Muncie and Delaware County. Building talent pipelines is important to the vitality of our community and opportunities for those who live in the region.
“The rapid acceleration of technology and the integration of the Internet into nearly every aspect of our lives means that the security of information and systems is at great risk. From the largest multi-national corporations to the smallest rural school districts, data breaches and malicious attacks are a significant—and growing—threat,” reflected BBF’s president and CEO, Jud Fisher. “As we seek to support efforts that improve the quality of life in Muncie, Delaware County, and East Central Indiana, we recognize that cybersecurity will only play an increasingly important role.”
About Ball Brothers Foundation:
Ball Brothers Foundation is one of the state’s oldest and largest family foundations. In 2023, the foundation paid out $8.8 million in grants to support place-based initiatives related to arts and culture, education, the environment, health, human services, and public affairs. The Muncie-based private foundation gives priority to projects and programs that improve the quality of life in the foundation’s home city, county, and state.
