The MSU Center for Cybercrime Investigation and Training is a full-service training hub preparing law enforcement agencies for the increasing threat of cybercrime. Housed in the MSU School of Criminal Justice, the Center provides information and resources to agencies across the state to assist with cybercrime investigations and responses.
Cybercrime is rapidly increasing. The effects of these crimes can financially and economically affect individuals, as well as businesses and government agencies. As a result, law enforcement agencies, school systems, prosecutors, and corrections agencies are under increased demand to be equipped to respond and investigate cybercrimes.
The Center provides free trainings criminal justice agencies and are accredited through the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES).
Introduction to the Center
DBusiness: Michigan State University Awarded $1M to Create Center for Cybersecurity Training
MSUToday: MSU receives $1M to create center for cybersecurity training
First Training Announcement
WLNS Channel 6 (Lansing): MSU to host cybercrime training for law enforcement
Yahoo! News: MSU to host cybercrime training for law enforcement
First Training Coverage
Fox 47 News (Lansing): Here's how an MSU program could help local police departments respond to cybercrime
WWMT Channel 3 (West Michigan): Michigan State University cybercrime training prepares community for cyber attacks
WILX News 10 (Lansing): Michigan Department of Corrections gets cybercrime training at Michigan State University
Crossing the Firewall podcast
The Crossing the Firewall podcast is a bi-weekly cybercrime podcast hosted by Dr. Tom Holt, Dr. Rachel McNealey, and Dr. Taylor Fisher and sponsored by the MSU Center for Cybercrime Investigation and Training. Each episode is a deep dive into one of the many facets of cybercrime and features a unique researcher or practitioner in the field. Listeners will get unique insights and takeaways for privacy, safety, and cybersecurity.
Subscribe to the podcast anywhere you listen to your favorite podcast!
If you have questions or comments about the show please email us at crossingthefirewall@gmail.com, and follow us on social media on Instagram @crossingthefirewall!
Resources for Agencies
As the MSU Center for Cybercrime Investigation & Training's mission to provide information and resources to agencies across the state to assist with cybercrime investigations and responses. As part of this mission, the Center periodically releases reports that law enforcement agencies will find useful in their efforts to combat cybercrime.
Cyber-Investigative Expertise and Training Survey
The Cyber-Investigative Expertise and Training Survey provides an overview of how agencies perform digital forensic investigations, the frequency of such investigations, and the types of cyber-related crimes being investigated.
Findings reported in this survey include the challenges agencies face when investigating cybercrimes (budget, equipment, time, resources, etc.) and improvements agencies have made in responding to cybercrime.
Resources for Food & Ag Industry
The MSU Center for Cybercrime Investigation & Training has partnered with the Food and Agriculture - Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) to provide resources that can be utilized by the food and agriculture sector to reduce cyber vulnerabilities and prevent cyberattacks.
Food and Agriculture Sector Cybersecurity Guide for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses.
The Food and Agriculture Sector Cybersecurity Guide for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses analyzes methods hackers use to target the Food and Agriculture Sector and provides actionable advice for food and agriculture businesses.
Staff and Command Cybercrime Training
Date: August 21, 2026
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: via Zoom
Cybercrime Fighter of the Year
As cybercrimes and online threats grow increasingly complex, the criminal justice professionals protecting Michigan residents must work harder than ever to aid the public and assist victims. To honor those who serve, the Center for Cybercrime Investigation and Training in the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University is proud to announce the first-ever Michigan Cybercrime Fighter of the Year Awards.
This prestigious annual award recognizes the outstanding law enforcement, prosecutors, and specialists within the Michigan justice system who have demonstrated exceptional effort, innovation, collaboration, and a profound commitment to victim-centric care. Nominations are officially open to active practitioners employed in Michigan agencies and offices. We seek nominees from 1) Law enforcement, 2) Prosecutors and Legal Professionals, and 3) Victim Advocates and Specialists.
To qualify, nominees must meet the following criteria:
1. Professional & Jurisdictional Standing
To qualify, nominees must be active practitioners within the Michigan justice system or supporting non-profits:
Law Enforcement: Must be a sworn MCOLES (Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards) certified officer, digital forensics analyst, or civilian investigator or analyst working for a local, county (Sheriff), State (MSP), or Tribal law enforcement agency within Michigan.
Prosecutors: Must be an active Prosecuting Attorney, Assistant Prosecutor (APAs), or Assistant Attorney General (AAG) handling criminal dockets within Michigan’s District, Circuit, or Probate/Juvenile courts.
Victim Advocates: Must be employed by or volunteering for a Michigan county prosecutor’s victim advocacy unit, a law enforcement victim assistance program, or a registered Michigan 501(c)(3) non-profit that offers victim services (e.g., CACMI, crime victim service agencies receiving VOCA funding via MDHHS).
2. Statutory Focus
The award should specifically recognize exceptional work utilizing or expanding enforcement under Michigan-specific statutes, rather than just federal laws. Nominees should demonstrate success in cases involving any MCL statutes related to cybercrimes.
3. Case/Initiative Scope & Timing
The primary case, investigation, trial verdict, or advocacy work must have reached a significant milestone or conclusion within the current evaluation period of 2025/2026. The criminal activity must have also directly targeted a Michigan resident, local business, municipality, or school district, OR the investigation must have been primarily executed by a Michigan-based agency
To nominate someone, please complete the nomination packet.
