Empowering Small Businesses: The Secure Signals Project at BGSU

From the BGSU OFFICE OF MARKETING & BRAND STRATEGY

A New Initiative by BGSU Students

A dedicated group of students from Bowling Green State University (BGSU) has pioneered a nonprofit organization known as The Secure Signals Project. The initiative’s primary aim is to safeguard small businesses from the increasingly prevalent threat of cybersecurity attacks, thus illustrating how motivated students can leverage their academic backgrounds to promote public welfare.

Insights from a Passionate Co-Founder

Logan Coffey, a fourth-year computer science major and co-founder of The Secure Signals Project, believes in the project’s mission deeply. “As a cybersecurity intern, I recognized the alarming disparity in costs for penetration testing,” Coffey stated. “Small and medium-sized enterprises often need this critical service the most, yet the high cost puts it out of reach for many. Our team of students has decided to offer this essential service at no charge.” This decision underscores the organization’s commitment to supporting businesses that may lack the resources to protect themselves adequately against cyber threats.

Making an Impact Through Technical Skills

With the guiding motto “help us while we help you,” Coffey and his peers began applying the technical skills acquired through BGSU’s computer science cybersecurity program to enact meaningful change in the community. The organization also includes contributions from a BGSU alumnus and a current graduate student, further enriching its expertise.

“During an urgent 24-hour cybersecurity investigation, we successfully identified and confirmed a breach after being alerted by a business that had experienced unusual computer activity,” Coffey reported. “Our team dedicatedly gathered forensic evidence through techniques such as system imaging, log analysis, and malware investigations, ultimately delivering our findings to a professional incident response team that efficiently eliminated the threat. Thanks to our quick response and tireless effort, the company emerged unscathed.” This proactive approach exemplifies the organization’s effectiveness in addressing real-world cybersecurity challenges.

Experiential Learning: A Core Component of Education

The combination of experiential learning and practical application is vital for student success, a fact that is deeply integrated into the University’s esteemed computer science program, recognized as Ohio’s first. Students engage in challenging simulated cybersecurity scenarios, design intricate systems aimed at enhancing efficiency and security, and meticulously analyze software for vulnerabilities and potential risks.

“It is critical for students to go beyond theoretical knowledge to attain practical experience that enables them to apply classroom learning to real situations,” said Dr. Jake Lee, associate professor and chair of the computer science department. “These real-world experiences are instrumental in helping students build confidence and advance their technical skills, effectively equipping them for the challenges they will encounter in their careers.”

Expanding Opportunities through Competition

In addition to leading The Secure Signals Project, Coffey serves as the founder and president of the BGSU Cybersecurity Capture the Flag Club. In this competitive setting, students apply their technical cybersecurity skills in a game-like environment, which involves breaking into opponents’ systems while simultaneously defending their own.

“Many of the club officers also contribute to The Secure Signals Project,” Coffey noted. “The skills cultivated during friendly competitions translate directly into valuable abilities applicable in the job market, as well as in the initiatives of our nonprofit.” This synergy between club activities and nonprofit work fosters a strong community of learning and collaboration.

Creating a Safe Space for Learning and Growth

Leveraging state-of-the-art resources, Coffey and his team utilize the advanced digital forensics and cybersecurity lab at BGSU for their classes, alongside a personally developed testing lab that allows future growth and training opportunities. This dedicated lab simulates real-world scenarios and equips students involved in the nonprofit with a risk-free environment to practice various cyberattacks before deploying their skills in real-life situations.

“Offensive cybersecurity presents a significant barrier to entry, particularly when working with sensitive company information and systems,” Coffey explained. “Our virtual lab allows us to create simulated enterprise environments, enabling students to practice their skills without any real-world repercussions.” This approach helps build capability and confidence while ensuring that students are well-prepared for future challenges.

Future Aspirations and Community Impact

Post-graduation, Coffey intends to continue his leadership role in The Secure Signals Project, with ambitious goals for expanding its reach and impact within the community. “While this project has been profoundly beneficial for my personal development and education, it has also provided me with a profound sense of fulfillment,” Coffey shared. “Our team aims to persist in delivering public good to our community while exploring additional avenues such as threat hunting and security research.”

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Get Involved!

Businesses seeking complimentary cybersecurity services and penetration tests are highly encouraged to visit securesignalsproject.com/register. This initiative is a great opportunity for small businesses to protect themselves against cyber threats with the assistance of energetic students committed to making a difference.

Posted by: David Dupont
on April 24, 2025.