- November 29, 2023
By Phil Venables
What is a clinic?
For decades, schools of law and medicine have operated “clinics,” where students work with real-world clients with limited resources and gain valuable hands-on experience.
Now, the “clinic” model has been adapted for the field of cybersecurity. University-based cybersecurity clinics train students from diverse backgrounds and academic expertise to strengthen the digital defenses of non-profits, hospitals, municipalities, small businesses, and other under-resourced organizations in our communities, while also developing a talent pipeline for cyber civil defense.
New Announcement
Google Fund Applications Now Open
The applications for the next round of the Google Cybersecurity Clinic Fund are now open. Applicants will be selected to receive up to $1M and additional support to start a cybersecurity clinic. Read our press release here.
The deadline to apply is March 2024.
The Google Cybersecurity Clinics Fund
Google, in collaboration with the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics, will support selected colleges, universities, and community colleges with up to $1M each to increase access and opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in cybersecurity.
Sign up for the next applicant workshop to learn more about the application process.
Next workshop date: December 5, 2023
Expanding the Consortium’s reach
Discover the growing list of US clinic locations for all the different Consortium members!
Expanding the clinic model
The Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics is an international network of university-based cybersecurity clinics and allies working to advance cybersecurity education for public good.
We serve as a forum for faculty, students, trainers, and advocates to network and share knowledge, expand the reach of cybersecurity clinics, and lower the barriers for other institutions of higher education to successfully establish their own clinics.
Our vision is to launch a university, college, or community-college based clinic in all 50 U.S. states by 2030.
Sharing and standardizing teaching materials among members
Supporting funding for the creation of new clinics
Advocating for the clinic model
Why clinics work
Cybersecurity clinics fill the gaps at the front line of cybersecurity technical assistance. We are:
Providing essential cybersecurity services
University-based cybersecurity clinics help clients develop long-term cybersecurity defense, increase their resilience, and expand their cybersecurity capacity. Students provide a range of digital security services, such as vulnerability and risk assessments, cybersecurity policy templates, incident response plans, ransomware training, NIST and CMMC certifications, and more.
Serving our local communities
Cyber clinics students work with local and regional organizations, bringing cyber talent where it is needed in their own backyards. Participating in clinics embeds the value of public service in future cybersecurity leaders.
Prioritizing under-resourced organizations
The widespread effects of a successful cyber attack can have broad impacts, yet many public interest organizations lack the resources for cybersecurity self-defense. University-based cybersecurity clinics provide pro bono assistance to resource-strapped organizations like non-profits, small businesses, local government, hospitals, and other community organizations.
Consortium blog & news
