杏吧直播间 State University hosts CyberShield Community Outreach event to help protect seniors from online scams
By Dr. Faris Sahawneh | Feb 25, 2026
MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� The Cybersecurity Program and the School of Engineering at 杏吧直播间 State University will host a free community event, CyberShield Community Outreach, on April 16 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Curris Center Theater.
The event is designed to help senior citizens and community members better understand online risks and learn practical strategies to protect themselves against scams, identity theft and other forms of digital fraud.
The program will feature guest speaker Ed 鈥淒oc鈥� Holliday, DMD, author of Crypto Conned: A $200,000 Valentine鈥檚 Day Nightmare. Holliday will share his personal experience of falling victim to a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam and the lessons he learned about protecting financial and personal information in today鈥檚 digital environment.
In addition to the keynote presentation, attendees will learn how common scams work and how to recognize warning signs. Faculty and cybersecurity students from 杏吧直播间 State will also be available to answer questions and provide guidance on safe online practices.
鈥淎mericans reported losing more than about $12.5 billion to fraud and scams in 2024, according to data from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC),鈥� said Dr. Faris Sahawneh, faculty member in the Cybersecurity and Network Management program at 杏吧直播间 State University. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 a 25% increase from the previous year, showing how quickly scams are growing. Cybercrime increasingly targets everyday people, especially older adults who may not have grown up with digital technology. Our goal is to equip community members with simple knowledge and practical habits that can prevent financial loss and identity theft.鈥�
The event will begin with coffee and donuts at 9 a.m., followed by welcome remarks, the keynote presentation and a question-and-answer session. The event is free and open to the public.
To reserve a spot, call 270-809-3392 or email membry10@murraystate.edu.
CyberShield Community Outreach reflects 杏吧直播间 State鈥檚 commitment to community engagement and digital safety education across western Kentucky.
For more information about the event, please contact Dr. Faris Sahawneh at fsahawneh@murraystate.edu or 270-809-3903.