May 14, 2026
As small- and medium-sized businesses increasingly rely on digital systems to operate, the need for increased cybersecurity expertise and tools is in high demand. Due to limited access to affordable and specialized cybersecurity resources, many businesses — particularly those operating in economically distressed Central Appalachian counties — face heightened vulnerability to cyber threats.
Using $1 million from ARC, WVU Research Corporation established West Virginia’s first Cyber-Resilience Resource Center (CRRC) to strengthen both business resilience and workforce readiness across the state.
Investing in Business Protection and Workforce Training
Cyber incidents disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data and impose significant financial costs. These risks can be especially challenging for small businesses and start-ups to absorb. ARC’s investment in the CRRC is helping to make cybersecurity resources and technical assistance available through West Virginia University. Better yet, these resources are directed primarily to small- and medium-sized businesses, critical infrastructure, and start-ups, with a focus on organizations located in distressed counties.
In addition to supporting businesses, the CRRC serves as an experiential training environment for students who are preparing to enter the cybersecurity sector.
“We leverage student and faculty talent from higher education institutions across West Virginia and provide free or low-cost services including cybersecurity risk and resilience assessments, incident response planning, security policy development, direct technical IT and cybersecurity operations support, and employee awareness training,” said CRRC Executive Director Christopher Ramezan. “By pairing applied cybersecurity services with workforce development, the CRRC not only helps organizations reduce risk and improve resilience today but also builds a sustainable pipeline of skilled cybersecurity professionals for the region.”
Strengthening Economic and Cybersecurity Capacity
The CRRC is projected to improve outcomes for 41 businesses, helping them better protect operations, data and customers. It has already succeeded in creating more than half of the jobs expected through this initiative. Through the end of the project period in 2027, approximately 1,000 participants and 200 students will benefit from hands-on engagement with cybersecurity tools and business clients.
“Long term, our vision is for West Virginia and the broader Appalachian region to be recognized as a national hub for cybersecurity talent, innovation and resilience,” Ramezan said. “The expertise already exists in our mountains and valleys. By uniting higher education, public sector partners and private industry, we are working toward a scalable, collaboration-driven cybersecurity ecosystem that strengthens regional prosperity and economic stability while advancing cyber-resilience at the local, state and region levels.”
Investing in cybersecurity infrastructure, technical assistance and workforce development is helping West Virginia businesses protect against digital threats. The Cyber-Resilience Resource Center demonstrates how targeted investments can support small businesses, prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and stimulate long-term economic growth in Appalachian communities.