Cybersecurity Clinic will protect businesses from online threats, develop students' career skills
The University of Arizona College of Applied Science and Technology was awarded $1 million to establish a Cybersecurity Clinic, which will begin operating in January.
UArizona is one of 15 higher education institutions across the country launching clinics this year thanks to a collaboration between Google and the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics, an organization established in 2021 to train the next generation of cyber leaders and protect community organizations from online threats.
The clinic will offer free digital security services to organizations in Southern Arizona, similar to community clinics offered by law or medical schools.
Associate professor of practice Paul Wagner will serve as the clinic's director. Wagner and his colleagues are developing the structure for the clinic, which is initially planned to operate for six years.
The clinic will start by working with small businesses, hospitals, schools, and community groups in Pima County, and the team expects to connect with clients throughout Arizona eventually.
Students who receive a Google-backed cybersecurity certification and complete a series of training modules developed by the clinic will be responsible for educating clients and improving their cybersecurity.