A Cybersecurity Hub is Growing in East Central Indiana

Courtesy of the Ball Brothers Foundation

In today’s digital age, data represents billions of dollars in commercial activity. From companies using information to market to their best customers to research institutions peering through galaxies, data is the lifeblood of many employers. Increased cyberattacks threaten this broad industry and those who utilize it. However, a new horizon for fighting this crime is emerging in East Central Indiana.

Addressing Cybercrime

“Cybersecurity concerns touch every facet of our lives, from personal uses of technology to cyber-protection needs of schools, hospitals, local government and more,” says Jud Fisher, president and CEO of the Ball Brothers Foundation, which works to improve quality of life in Muncie and throughout Indiana.

“In the fight against cybercrime, we seek to support organizations that strengthen their effectiveness, present innovative approaches and spearhead new projects, programs and initiatives that guard and protect the communities we serve to improve the quality of life for everyone,” Fisher says.

Project Sybertooth

Starting in 2020, the Ball Brothers Foundation launched a new initiative called Project Sybertooth that made grants available to local organizations working to bolster cybersecurity and fight cybercrime. The initiative’s main goals are to:

• Strengthen the talent pipeline of individuals who are trained to address complex cyberthreats.
• Bolster the ability of local law enforcement agencies to deter and investigate cybercrime.
• Develop and implement interagency education, training and team building programs.
• Develop broader networks of communication between law enforcement agencies (local, state, and federal levels), military, elected officials, local banks, local corporations and small businesses, postsecondary education institutions and nonprofits.

As part of the Project Sybertooth initiative, the foundation has awarded nearly $300,000 to organizations in Muncie and Delaware County to purchase specialized equipment for fighting cybercrime and to support training for law enforcement officers and other personnel.

Processing Digital Evidence

Since January 2022, the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office has hosted one of the state’s 10 High Tech Crimes Units, processing digital evidence across an 11-county area and supporting 22 county, municipal, hospital and university police departments. Charles Zimmers, the director of the Delaware County High Tech Crimes Unit (HTCU), says his department processes digital evidence to assist in solving crimes.

“We all carry computers in our pockets daily (your cellphone), and these devices contain every detail of our lives,” Zimmers says. “The HTCUs provide access to the advanced tools and trained personnel needed to fully explore these types of sources.”

Today, 44 local, state and federal agencies have submitted evidence to the Delaware County HTCU.

“We received financial support from several entities in our community. The Ball Brothers Foundation has been invaluable in assisting the HTCU in completing its mission,” Zimmers says. “Digital forensics is a costly endeavor, and without community support, our capabilities would be reduced.”

Developing Cyber Talent

Fisher says East Central Indiana’s concentration of educational assets makes it an ideal location to support cybersecurity companies.

“The internships run by East Central Indiana higher education institutions are invaluable,” Fisher says. “East Central Indiana is a hotbed for talent development in this industry.”

The Delaware County HTCU partnered with Ball State University to offer an internship program, which Zimmers says will provide critical training and valuable hands-on experience in the digital forensics field.

“The HTCU will benefit by having bright young minds being added to our team, and Central Indiana will benefit by having experienced graduates entering the digital forensics/cybersecurity workforce,” Zimmers says.

Additionally, Muncie hosted the Indiana Statewide Cybersecurity Summit in 2024, which aims to equip business professionals with advanced cybersecurity skills and knowledge.

The same year, the city welcomed the Indiana Commission for Higher Education’s Cybersecurity Workforce Talent Pipeline Summit. Fisher says more than 100 state and local leaders from higher education, the military, law enforcement and the private sector convened in Muncie to explore the cybersecurity workforce talent pipeline, acknowledging the need for these careers throughout Indiana.

Fisher says the region’s supply of career opportunities coupled with East Central Indiana’s quality of life make it an ideal location for tech and cybersecurity companies as well as those looking to break into the market.

“Everyone today needs constant tech workers and tech services,” Fisher says.