The state of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, and the U.S. military are joining forces to advance cybersecurity research and training with the announcement of the Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center. Governor Tate Reeves and Mississippi State University President Dr. Mark Keenum revealed plans for the 100,000-square-foot facility on Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, which will house the Mississippi Cyber Initiative.
The center aims to enhance state and federal cybersecurity capabilities, support community and military needs, and serve as a hub for academic achievement and economic development in cyber, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other technology sectors. The initiative, launched in 2021, strengthens the partnership between Mississippi State University and Keesler to bolster the 81st Training Wing’s cyber training mission.
Col. Billy Pope, commander of the 81st Training Wing, highlighted Keesler Air Force Base as the epicenter of all Air Force cyber operations training, ensuring its excellence and relevance in the field for generations to come. The Mississippi Cyber and Technology Center will be constructed through an enhanced use lease agreement between the U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center and the Mississippi State Research and Technology Corp. It will offer event space and office slots to private industry partners in addition to supporting activities such as a digital forensics lab collaboration with law enforcement agencies, cyber training exercises, and K-12 outreach events to promote cybersecurity education among future leaders.
The collaborative efforts between the state, university, and military signify a significant step towards advancing cybersecurity capabilities in Mississippi and positioning the state as a leader in the field.
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