Tougaloo College Launches Cybersecurity Clinic to Protect Underserved Communities

In an era where cyber threats loom larger than ever, Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, has taken a significant step to safeguard vulnerable organizations by establishing a cybersecurity clinic. This initiative aims to provide essential cybersecurity services and education to those who may not have the resources to protect themselves against the growing tide of cyber attacks.

A Vital Resource for the Community

Opened earlier this month, the Tougaloo College Cybersecurity Clinic offers free services specifically tailored for churches, healthcare entities, small businesses, and community organizations. The clinic’s mission is twofold: to protect these entities from cyber threats and to educate them about the importance of cybersecurity. In addition to providing direct services, the clinic also conducts cyber awareness training for students, faculty, staff, and community clients, ensuring that knowledge about cybersecurity is disseminated widely.

Demetria White, the director of the clinic and an assistant professor of Mathematics, emphasizes the pervasive nature of cyber threats. “Every aspect of how we live has a cyber threat,” she states. “This is a growing field that our students really need to be exposed to, and they need to receive training in it.”

Funding and Support

The establishment of the clinic was made possible through a generous $1 million grant from the Google Cybersecurity Clinics Fund. This fund is designed to support colleges and universities in launching their own cybersecurity clinics, enabling them to serve their communities while providing students with invaluable hands-on experience in the field.

Understanding Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity encompasses a range of strategies and practices aimed at protecting an entity’s data from both internal and external attacks. As the digital landscape evolves, so too do the tactics employed by cybercriminals. Sharron Streeter, the clinic’s client liaison, highlights a common misconception: “Most people think, ‘well, it’s not going to be me, I’m just a little fry.’ But it can happen to anyone, and we know that one single breach can impact millions of people at a time.”

The urgency of this issue is underscored by the 2023 Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report, which found that 53% of firms experienced cyberattacks that year, with 36% of those attacks targeting firms with 10 or fewer employees. This statistic illustrates that no organization is too small to be a target.

Engaging Students in Cybersecurity

The clinic is not just a resource for the community; it also serves as a training ground for students. Computer science majors Aeries Hoskins and Noel Ricks are part of the clinic’s internal advisory committee, leading the first cohort of interns. While applicants can come from any major, they must have completed a “Security Awareness” course and submit an application along with a letter of recommendation. The final cohort of interns will be announced when the clinic officially opens for operations in January.

Ricks hopes that the clinic will broaden students’ perspectives on cybersecurity. “I hope that they can see that cybersecurity isn’t just for computer science; it’s for everyone,” he explains. This sentiment is echoed by Hoskins, who warns of the ease with which cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities: “People can log into your phone, take everything from you, and then go on about their day. And you would never know that they ever did that.”

Conclusion

The launch of the cybersecurity clinic at Tougaloo College represents a proactive approach to addressing the pressing issue of cyber threats in underserved communities. By providing free services and education, the clinic not only protects vulnerable organizations but also empowers students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex world of cybersecurity. As cyber attacks continue to rise, initiatives like this are crucial in fostering a safer digital environment for all.

For more information about the clinic and its services, visit Tougaloo College’s official website.

This article was originally published by Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.