Cybersecurity Center

Cybersecurity Center
Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Trainings, workshops, and lecture series for students, faculty, staff, and the local community.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Trainings/Workshops and Lecture Series

People around the globe promote cybersecurity education and highlight the importance of protecting personal and organizational assets during October, which is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. In the spirit of promoting cybersecurity awareness, Western Illinois University's Cybersecurity Center is offering a training and lecture series for students, faculty, and the local community to help them understand the importance and collective responsibility of securing data to protect assets.

Please join us in person for Linux/Unix training or via the Zoom invitation link for presentations on the dates and times listed below to learn about ways to protect your personal information.

2026 Career Workshop – Cybersecurity Sales

Beyond the SOC: A Career in Cybersecurity Solutions

Brought to you by Scott Olson, Palo Alto Solutions

Explore how cybersecurity careers extend beyond the SOC into solutions and sales. Discover how technical knowledge, communication, and relationship-building come together to understand customer needs, deliver security solutions, and build a rewarding career.

Presentation Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Presentation Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Zoom Meeting Invitation Link: https://wiu.zoom.us/j/95072939034
Presenter: Scott Olson, Palo Alto Solutions
Fees:This event is open to all and free of charge.

2026 Career Workshop – Skills in Demand

The Workforce – Ready Cybersecurity Graduate

Brought to you by Todd Haverstock, CISO, Washington University

Discover what it takes to move from cybersecurity student to workforce-ready professional. Explore how technical knowledge, communication, problem-solving, and collaboration come together to build confidence, navigate real-world challenges, and launch a successful cybersecurity career.

Presentation Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Presentation Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Stipes 501
Presenter: Todd Haverstock, CISO, Washington University
Fees:This event is open to all and free of charge.

2025 Lecture Series Schedule

Protecting Your Personal Information Online

Join us to learn how to determine if your personal information, such as your credit card or email password, has been exposed in a data breach or is circulating on the dark web. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation. This session is open to everyone.

Presentation Date:Monday, October 6, 2025
Presentation Time: 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Zoom Meeting Invitation Link: https://wiu.zoom.us/j/99376835456
Presenter: Dr. Tahir M. Khan, Associate Professor and Interim Director of WIU Cybersecurity Center
Fees:This event is open to all and free of charge.

Overview of Authentication Methods

This presentation will provide an overview of authentication methods, including both password-based and passwordless options, used to verify your identity when accessing online accounts. We will also discuss the most effective authentication methods to use while traveling abroad—particularly in situations where you may not be able to receive text messages or phone calls to validate your identity. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation. This session is open to everyone.

Presentation Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Presentation Time: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Zoom Meeting Invitation Link: https://wiu.zoom.us/j/91293505898
Presenter: Dr. Tahir M. Khan, Associate Professor and Interim Director of WIU Cybersecurity Center
Fees:This event is open to all and free of charge.

2025 Training Sessions

Basic Linux/Unix 101 (4 Sessions)

This training is designed for anyone interested in installing a Linux distribution in a virtual environment and learning both basic and advanced commands to perform tasks on a Linux system. Participants will gain hands-on experience with Linux and develop an understanding of its importance in the field of cybersecurity.

Sessions
  • Installing a Linux distribution in a virtual machine
  • Learning basic Linux commands
  • Learning advanced Linux commands
  • Practice session
Format
  • 4 in-person sessions
ZProposed Dates
  • Session 1: October 15, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
  • Session 2: October 17, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
  • Session 3: October 22, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
  • Session 4: October 24, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Training Location
  • All four sessions will be held in Stipes Hall, Room 309
Requirements
  • Participants must be 18 years or older
  • A Windows laptop is required
  • Ability to install software (e.g., VirtualBox) to set up a virtual machine
  • Limited to 15 seats (priority given to early registrants)
  • Registration closes September 30
  • Advance registration is required. Please complete the registration form by clicking on Linux/UNIX Training Registration Form
Presenters
  • Dr. Tahir M. Khan, Associate Professor and Interim Director of the WIU Cybersecurity Center
  • Cybersecurity Enthusiasts Club Team

2024 Lecture Series Schedule

Cybersecurity 101

In this session, we will cover the basics of cybersecurity and what everyone should do to safeguard their personal devices and data. We will also emphasize the importance of collective responsibility in securing data at home and in the workplace. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation. This session is open to students, faculty, and the local community.

Presentation Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Presentation Time: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Zoom Meeting Invitation Link: https://wiu.zoom.us/j/97197645076
Presenter: Dr. Tahir M. Khan, Associate Professor and Interim Director of WIU Cybersecurity Center
Fees:This event is open to all and free of charge.

Identifying Scam Emails and Websites

This presentation will focus on recognizing phishing emails and fraudulent websites. We will also discuss how technology can help in identifying scams. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation. This session is open to students, faculty, and the local community.

Presentation Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Presentation Time: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Zoom Meeting Invitation Link: https://wiu.zoom.us/j/92385040973
Presenter: Dr. Tahir M. Khan, Associate Professor and Interim Director of WIU Cybersecurity Center
Fees:This event is open to all and free of charge.

Common Scams and Crimes

In this presentation, we will explore the most common scams and crimes, as well as techniques to mitigate them. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation. This session is open to students, faculty, and the local community.

Presentation Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Presentation Time: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Zoom Meeting Invitation Link: https://wiu.zoom.us/j/96792925067
Presenter: Dr. Tahir M. Khan, Associate Professor and Interim Director of WIU Cybersecurity Center
Fees:This event is open to all and free of charge.

Mobile Security and Privacy

This presentation will cover how to adjust privacy settings to protect your mobile devices from scammers and hackers. We will discuss key security features and best practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation. This session is open to students, faculty, and the local community.

Presentation Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Presentation Time: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Zoom Meeting Invitation Link: https://wiu.zoom.us/j/98954245404
Presenter: Dr. Tahir M. Khan, Associate Professor and Interim Director of WIU Cybersecurity Center
Fees:This event is open to all and free of charge.

Cybersecurity Education and Career Paths

This presentation will highlight the significance of cybersecurity, various career paths, and the current shortage of skilled professionals in the field. We will also share resources for starting a career in cybersecurity. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation. This session is open to students, faculty, and the local community.

Presentation Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Presentation Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Zoom Meeting Invitation Link: https://wiu.zoom.us/j/95669121863
Presenter: Dr. Tahir M. Khan, Associate Professor and Interim Director of WIU Cybersecurity Center
Fees:This event is open to all and free of charge.

Cybersecurity Awareness Contact

Dr. Tahir M. Khan
Associate Professor and Interim Director of WIU Cybersecurity Center
Stipes Hall 447J, Macomb, IL 61455
Telephone: (309) 298-1452
Email: TM-Khan@wiu.edu