News and Research
Recent News and Media Stories
Murray State University announces establishment of the Wes Kerr Cyber National Advisory Board Scholarship Endowment
MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University’s Cyber National Advisory Board and the Murray State University Foundation announce the establishment of the Wes Kerr Cyber National Advisory Board Scholarship to memorialize Kerr’s legacy as a Murray State alumnus, member of the Cyber National Advisory Board, and supporter of the Cybersecurity and Network Management (CNM) program.
Cyber Education and Research Center hosts 20th annual Security Matters
MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University’s Cyber Education and Research Center recently hosted the 20th annual Security Matters conference, welcoming more than 270 attendees from across the region to one of the largest technology and cybersecurity events in western Kentucky.
MSU hosts cybersecurity event for seniors
MURRAY — A Mississippi dentist who lost $200,000 in a cryptocurrency scam shared his experience Thursday with students and community members during the CyberShield Community Outreach Event hosted by Murray State University’s Cybersecurity and Network Management Program.
Cyber Education and Research Center hosts high school tech day: Tech Mania 2026
MURRAY, Ky. — On March 26, nearly 200 students from 10 different high schools across west Kentucky, northwest Tennessee and southern Illinois participated in Tech Mania 2026. The event was sponsored by Murray State University’s Cyber Education and Research Center, with the aim of encouraging students to pursue careers in cybersecurity and network management.
Cyber Bytes: What to Know About War’s Effects on Cybersecurity and How to Combat Cyber Attacks
In the next installment of Sounds Good's Cyber Bytes series, Tracy Ross and Dr. Michael Ramage, director of Murray State's Cyber Education and Research Center, discuss the effects of war on cybersecurity and how to better protect oneself from cyber attacks during times of political conflict. (However, Ramage begins by clarifying that cyber attacks become likelier during any major global event, whether it's a negative one, like the start of a war, or a positive one, like the Olympics.)
Cyber Team places first in Kentucky at the Midwest Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition
Murray State University’s Cyber Team achieved first place in Kentucky on Feb. 7, at the Midwest Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition Qualifier. Competing against students specializing in cybersecurity from the University of Louisville and Eastern Kentucky University, Murray State emerged as the state champion.
Cyber Bytes: How to Protect Yourself From Cyber Attackers During the Holiday Season
In the next installment of Sounds Good's Cyber Bytes series, Tracy Ross and Dr. Michael Ramage, director of Murray State's Cyber Education and Research Center, discuss how to protect oneself from cyber attacks and other bad actors during the holiday season. Ramage says that people can become especially susceptible to poor cybersecurity practices during this time of year because of the time-sensitive nature of most purchases, people's desire to get the best possible deals, and our propensity for trustworthy, giving attitudes around the holidays.
Cyber Bytes: The Importance (and Best Kinds) of Multi-Factor Authentication
In the next installment of Sounds Good's Cyber Bytes, Tracy Ross and Dr. Michael Ramage, director of Murray State's Cyber Education and Research Center, discuss the importance of multi-factor authentication. Although a common form of this kind of authentication involves receiving a text or email to confirm your log-in attempt, Ramage explains why that isn't the most secure form of authentication.
Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management reports third consecutive year of record enrollment
MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University’s statewide Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management (CNM) continues to set new benchmarks, experiencing a third consecutive record-breaking year in student enrollment. This milestone highlights both the exemplary reputation of the program and the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.
Cyber Education and Research Center hosts Security Matters 2025
Recently, the Murray State University Cyber Education and Research Center co-hosted Security Matters 2025 with Community Financial Services Bank (CFSB), with a record-breaking turnout of more than 275 attendees.
Cyber Bytes: Staying Protected While Vacationing
In the next installment of Sounds Good's "Cyber Bytes" series, Tracy Ross and Michael Ramage, director of Murray State's Cyber Education and Research Center, discuss how to stay vigilant against potential cybersecurity threats while on vacation. Ramage says that most of the techniques we can use to stay secure are the same things we would do on an average day at home. The tricky part is remembering these precautions while enjoying leisure time somewhere new.
Murray State students using drones to map Wi-Fi networks for NASA-backed project
A team of Murray State University students have been using drones to map local Wi-Fi networks on the school’s western Kentucky campus. The research project, funded through a NASA-Kentucky grant, could have practical applications concerning drone technology in emergency response situations.
Faculty members receive Faculty Innovation Grant Awards from Giving Back Endowment
MURRAY, Ky. – Four Murray State University faculty members were selected to receive grants from the Giving Back Endowment’s Faculty Innovation Initiative: Drs. Rupkatha Bardhan, Faris Sahawneh, and Profs. Kari Shemwell and Jake Hildebrant. The effort encourages faculty to incorporate innovative approaches to student community engagement into their courses.
Research Policy Committee honors three faculty with prestigious research awards
Murray State Alumni Association Distinguished Researcher Award for STEM: Dr. Abdul Yarali, Department of Cybersecurity and Network Management, Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology.
Alumni Association honors Dr. Jamie Rogers with student-nominated 2025 Golden Apple Award
MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University President Dr. Bob Jackson, '85, Director of Alumni Relations Carrie McGinnis, '20, Jones College of Science Engineering and Technology Dean Dr. Claire Fuller, family members, colleagues and friends surprised Dr. Jamie Rogers, School of Engineering director and professor, with the 2025 Golden Apple Award during one of his classes in March as this year's Murray State University Alumni Association (MSUAA) Distinguished Professor.
Partnership between Murray State University, KCTCS enhances opportunities for students
Leaders from Murray State University and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System have announced a partnership to enhance opportunities for KCTCS students who are seeking to earn a bachelor’s degree at Murray State.
Cyber Education and Research Center hosts Tech Mania 2025 for regional high school students
On March 6, Murray State University’s Cyber Education and Research Center and the Office of the President hosted more than 160 students from nine different high schools across west Kentucky and northwest Tennessee for Tech Mania 2025, with the aim of encouraging students to pursue careers in cybersecurity and network management (CNM).
Statewide Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management reports enrollment boom, announces new Industrial Cybersecurity Certificate program
Murray State University’s statewide Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management (CNM) has experienced an 84 percent enrollment growth rate in its bachelor’s degree program in just three short years. There are 60 new undergraduate cyber students this semester, 30 of whom are first-time freshmen, a new program record.
Cyber Bytes: Taking Asset Inventory
In the next installment of Sounds Good's "Cyber Bytes" series, Tracy Ross and Michael Ramage, director of Murray State's Cyber Education and Research Center, discuss the importance of asset inventory in organizations' or individuals' cyber security regimens. Of all the different facets of a comprehensive cyber security program, including strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and endpoint detection, Ramage says asset inventory is the most important.
Cyber Education and Research Center welcomes record turnout for Security Matters 2024 event
The annual Patterns of Distinction Awards Luncheon and Security Matters Conference, hosted by Murray State University’s Cyber Education and Research Center, took place on April 25th in the Curris Center with nearly 300 attendees in person, a record turnout for the event. Security Matters was co-hosted by Community Financial Services Bank (CFSB) and sponsors included Kaseya Inc, System Solutions Inc., DEVsource and the West Kentucky Gear Up Program.
MSU’s statewide Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management recognized nationally for community outreach
Murray State University’s statewide Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management (CNM) placed within the top 10 nationally among 400 institutions through a community outreach competition by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD).
Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management designated again as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management designated again as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
Cyber Bytes: New NIST Cyber Security Framework
In the next installment of Cyber Bytes, Tracy Ross speaks to Dr. Michael Ramage, Director of Murray State University's Cyber Education and Research Center, about the latest cyber security guidelines set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Cyber Education and Research Center hosts high school tech day: Tech Mania
MURRAY, Ky. – More than 150 students from high schools around west Kentucky and northwest Tennessee recently competed in Tech Mania 2024. Murray State University’s Cyber Education and Research Center and School of Engineering sponsored the competition that encouraged students to consider cybersecurity and network management as potential careers.
Murray State University and KCTCS update transfer agreement for CNM bachelor’s program
Murray State University and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) have updated their transfer agreement to satisfy the requirements for the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Computer Information Technologies at KCTCS that leads to the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Network Management (CNM) at Murray State.
Murray State University receives $1.5 million grant for cybersecurity certificate program
Murray State University’s Cyber Education and Research Center recently received a $1.5 million three-year grant from the Employment and Training Administration within the Department of Labor through the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) to fund a Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate program.
Cyber Bytes: January 2024 Cyber Security Update
In the first Cyber Bytes installment of 2024, Tracy Ross and Michael Ramage, Director of the Cyber Education and Research Center of Murray State University, discuss cyber security updates for the new year. Since the start of the Sounds Good series, Ramage says the state of cyber security has gotten worse due to the increased use of artificial intelligence to hack public institutions and consumers alike.
AT&T Donation for Murray State Cybersecurity Scholarships here
Murray State Cyber Center received a fantastic gift today. Thanks to AT&T for more than 15 years of continued scholarship support for our Murray State University cybersecurity students. It is always great to catch up with our industry partners, especially when they bring a "big" check. Thank you, AT&T, for your continued support.
Murray State University receives two awards at the Kentucky Economic Forum
Murray State University received two awards at the Kentucky Association for Economic Development’s (KAED) annual Kentucky Economic Forum in Covington in late October. First, the University earned the Technology Award presented by GIS Web Tech. Murray State, through its Cyber Education and Research Center, provides technology and cybersecurity leadership across the Commonwealth of Kentucky, as it has done for more than two decades. As part of the Program of Distinction, the Cyber Center provides outreach and support to residents, businesses, local governments and state organizations.
Director Ramage named 2023 Tech Educator of the Year
Sprocket Innovation named Murray State Cyber Center Director, Michael Ramage, as the 2023 Tech Educator of the Year in recognition for his hard work of growing tech, innovation and entrepreneurship in Paducah and our region.
Cybersecurity and Network Management hosts successful meeting with high school teachers throughout region
Murray State University’s statewide Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management (CNM) recently hosted a meeting with Information Technology teachers from high schools across the region.
Cyber Education and Research Center hosted annual security conference
The annual Patterns of Distinction – Security Matters Conference took place on April 20 in the Curris Center at Murray State University, with more than 200 industry leaders, students and staff attending the conference. For more than 15 years, Murray State’s Cyber Education and Research Center and Community Financial Services Bank (CFSB) co-hosted the conference, the largest annual security conference in the region.
Cybersecurity and Network Management program recognized
Murray State University’s statewide Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management (CNM) placed fourth nationally through a community outreach competition by the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD).
Cybersecurity and Network Management students participate in Cyber Games
Three students in the Cybersecurity and Network Management (CNM) program at Murray State University participated in the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) Cyber Games Regional Overflow competition on April 8. The Murray State team was awarded second place overall in the event.
Murray State partners with PISCES to support cybersecurity
Murray State University’s Cyber Education and Research Center (Cyber Center) has partnered with the Public Infrastructure Security Cyber Education System (PISCES) Project to provide security monitoring to local government entities, making Murray State the first university in Kentucky to partner on the exciting project to support local partners.