Tougaloo College Launches Cybersecurity Clinic with Google Funding

Tougaloo College has recently launched a cybersecurity clinic, providing students with hands-on experience in conducting cybersecurity risk reviews and audits. The clinic, located in Kincheloe Hall, Room 105, is part of a national initiative aimed at equipping students with essential cybersecurity skills. This initiative is supported by a $1 million grant from Google’s Cybersecurity Clinics Fund, which is part of a $25 million nationwide collaboration between Google.org and the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics.

The clinic will offer free digital security services to under-resourced organizations, similar to how law or medical schools provide free community clinics. This includes pro bono services for community organizations, churches, healthcare providers, and small businesses, which are often more vulnerable to cyber-attacks due to limited resources.

Housed within the Mathematics and Computer Science Department, the clinic emphasizes diversity by recruiting students from various academic backgrounds. This approach is designed to foster a new generation of cybersecurity professionals while supporting organizations at greater risk of digital vulnerabilities.

The clinic will also provide cyber awareness training for students, faculty, and community clients. This comprehensive approach aims to equip the local community with the necessary tools to protect themselves against cyber threats. The clinic’s launch highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital world and the pressing need for accessible security services for at-risk communities.

Tougaloo College is one of 15 higher education institutions across the country launching a cybersecurity clinic in 2024. This initiative is part of a larger strategy by Google and the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics to launch 25 such clinics by 2025. Google is not only providing financial support but also offering volunteer mentorship from its employees, Google Titan Security Keys, and scholarships for the Google Career Certificate in Cybersecurity.