Cybersecurity Center

Cybersecurity Club

This event is open to all and free of charge. Students will receive 100 Purple and Gold Points for attendance.

Cybersecurity Enthusiasts Club

Cybersecurity Enthusiast Club

Organization Bio

The Cybersecurity Enthusiasts Club student-driven initiative to promote awareness, education, and innovation in the field of cybersecurity. We strive to create a supportive environment where members can enhance their skills, exchange ideas, and actively contribute and collaborate with other passionate about cybersecurity.

With the ever-evolving landscape of digital threats and vulnerabilities, the club provides a platform for enthusiasts to stay updated, learn new techniques, and contribute to the broader cybersecurity community.

Requirements For Membership

Membership in the Cybersecurity Enthusiasts Club is open to anyone with an interest in cybersecurity, regardless of their level of expertise or background. Members are encouraged to actively participate in club activities, contribute to discussions, and share their knowledge and experiences with the community.

Meeting Location

Stipes 309, WIU, Macomb, IL

Meeting Day and Time

Thursday, 5:00PM

Contact Information

President Information:
Joseph Stanger
JE-Stanger@wiu.edu

Treasurer Information:
Nathan Haverstock
NR-Haverstock@wiu.edu

Advisor Information:
Dr. Tahir Khan
Associate Professor, Department of Computer Sciences
TM-Khan@wiu.edu

January 2026

Cyber Ethics

Just Because You Can Doesn't Mean You Should.

Hack the grey area! Explore real-world ethical dilemmas in cybersecurity in this hands-on, interactive career workshop. Tackle tough scenarios, debate real decisions professional face, and sharpen your instincts for navigating ethics in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Presentation Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Presentation Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
Location Stipes 309, WIU Macomb
Presenter: Joseph Stanger, CSEC President

February 2026

Resume Prep

Polish It Before You Pitch It.

Level up your cybersecurity career readiness in this hands-on resume and mock interview workshop. Learn how to showcase your technical skills, communicate your impact, and practice answering real interview question. When opportnity knocks, you'll be ready to answer!

Presentation Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Presentation Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Location Stipes 309, WIU Macomb
Presenter: WIU Career Center

Cyber Careers

From Blue Team to Boardroom.

Explore the wide range of careers within cybersecurity in this engagin talk. From defense and analysis to engineering, governance, and leadership. Learn what different roles actually do and how your interests can map to real jobs across the cyber field.

Presentation Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Presentation Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Location Stipes 309, WIU Macomb
Presenter: Dr. Tahir M. Khan, Associate Professor and Interim Director of WIU Cybersecurity Center

Malware Removal

From Infection to Eradication.

Dive into malware removal in this engaging, practical session. From identifying spyware and understanding how it embeds itself in systems to exploring techniques for safe and effective removal. Learn how analysts approach cleanup, strengthen defenses, and turn real-world threats into hand-on experience.

Presentation Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Presentation Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Location Stipes 309, WIU Macomb
Presenter: Kenyon Ferguson and Paden Gillispie, CSEC EBoard Members

March 2026

Network Traffic

Packets Under the Microscope.

Dive into network analysis in the immersive hands-on session. From capturing suspicious traffic and dissecting protocol behavior to uncovering hidden anomalies with Whireshark advanced tools in real time. Learn how analysts trace intrusions, interpret data, and transform packets into meaningful actionable insight.

Presentation Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Presentation Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
Location Stipes 309, WIU Macomb
Presenter: Kenyon Ferguson and Paden Gillispie, CSEC EBoard Members

Skills in Demand

Beyond the Technical Toolkit.

Explore the real-world skills that shape successful cybersecurity professionals in this engaging session. From communication and analytical thinking to adaptability, teamwork, and sound judgement in fast-moving situations. Learn how experts collaborate, solve problems, and turn everyday challenges into meaningful professional growth.

Presentation Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Presentation Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Location Stipes 309, WIU Macomb
Presenter: Paden Gillispie, CSEC EBoard Member

Isolating Malware

Malware Under Containment.

Step into the process of safely isolating malicious software in this hand-on investigative session. From examining suspicious files and observing system behavior to containing threats within controlled sandbox environments. Learn how analysts study malware, limit damage, and extract valuable security intelligence.

Presentation Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Presentation Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Location Stipes 309, WIU Macomb
Presenter: Nathan Haverstock and Paden Gillispie, CSEC EBoard Members

Cybersecurity Club at WIU

Discover how the Cybersecurity Club at Western Illinois University (WIU) is helping students build real-world skills, strong friendships, and career-ready experience in the fast-growing field of cybersecurity.

In this video, hear directly from a WIU student about what makes the Cybersecurity Club unique—from a tight-knit, supportive community to hands-on labs that simulate real-world cybersecurity challenges. Students gain practical experience in areas like network security and digital forensics while working together to solve problems they'll encounter in their careers.

The club also offers opportunities beyond the classroom, including community engagement like hosting cybersecurity awareness workshops with the City of Macomb. Whether you're a transfer student or just starting your journey, WIU provides access to knowledgeable faculty, valuable resources, and a collaborative learning environment.

If you're considering a cybersecurity degree, see why WIU stands out as a place to grow, learn, and prepare for your future career.