Alcorn State University, in partnership with Mississippi State University’s (MSU) Center for Cyber Education, will host a Cybersecurity Readiness Workshop for small businesses and municipalities beginning with an in-person kickoff on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025.
The workshop, hosted by Alcorn’s Office of Economic Development & Community Engagement, aims to address the significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities facing rural communities.
The workshop’s inspiration stems from a recent cybersecurity breach that affected a rural water association, highlighting the widespread lack of technical resources and cyber awareness in similar organizations.
With 60% of small businesses that suffer a cyberattack going out of business within six months, and 46% of all cyber breaches impacting businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees, the need for increased digital resilience is critical. The workshop is designed to provide accessible and practical knowledge to prevent future breaches.
“No business is too small for an attack,” said Tanesha M. Watson, coordinator of community engagement for the Office of Economic Development & Community Engagement. “We are providing these vital communities with the tools and education they need to protect their data, their customers, and their livelihoods. This workshop is not just about technology; it’s about building a supportive network where participants can share experiences and build stronger, more resilient communities together.”
The workshop will feature a hybrid format. The in-person kickoff session, scheduled for October 14 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., will take place in the Gold Room of the Dr. Clinton Bristow Jr. Dining Facility on the Alcorn main campus. This session will feature guest speakers and team-building exercises. This segment will be followed by a virtual “Lunch and learn” series on October 20 and October 30, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., focusing on specific cybersecurity topics and featuring live Q&A sessions.
A final in-person capstone session is scheduled for November 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., during which each participating organization will receive a tailored cybersecurity assessment and implementation roadmap. The sessions will be led by Shelly Hollis, director of the Center for Cyber Education (CCE) at Mississippi State University.
