Tougaloo College Launches Cybersecurity Clinic to Protect Underserved Communities

Tougaloo College has officially opened its new cybersecurity clinic, dedicated to providing free cybersecurity services to underserved entities. Launched on October 4, 2024, the clinic is strategically located in Kincheloe Hall, Room 105, and aims to support organizations such as churches, healthcare providers, small businesses, and community organizations that often lack the resources to defend against cyberattacks. 

As digital threats continue to proliferate, the need for better cybersecurity measures has never been more critical. According to the 2023 Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report, 53% of firms reported experiencing cyberattacks that year, with a staggering 36% of those incidents affecting businesses with ten or fewer employees.  

Tougaloo College Cybersecurity Clinic 

The clinic’s director, Demetria White, emphasizes the urgent need for increased awareness and training in the field. Every aspect of how we live comes with a cyber threat,” she remarked. This is a growing field that our students really need to be exposed to; they need to receive training in it.” Through the clinic, students not only gain practical experience but also contribute to the safety of their communities. 

Funded by a generous $1 million grant from the Google Cybersecurity Clinics Fund, the initiative aligns with a national effort to establish cybersecurity clinics across various colleges and universities. These clinics not only serve their local communities but also offer invaluable hands-on experience for students pursuing careers in cybersecurity. 

The clinic’s offerings extend beyond direct services. It will also provide cyber awareness training to students, faculty, staff, and community clients, fostering a culture of security literacy. Sharron Streeter, the clinic’s client liaison, highlighted the pervasive misconception that cyber threats primarily target large organizations. Most people think, ‘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,” she cautioned. 

Roles and Duties 

Computer science majors Aeries Hoskins and Noel Ricks play pivotal roles in the clinic’s operations, leading the first cohort of interns. They are keen to attract students from various disciplines, emphasizing that cybersecurity is a field that welcomes diverse skill sets. Ricks articulated this sentiment: “I hope that they can see that cybersecurity isn’t just for computer science; it’s for everyone.” 

Hoskins echoed this, warning of the subtlety with which cyber intrusions can occur. “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,” he noted. Such insights highlight the need for ongoing education and proactive measures in the digital age. 

The cybersecurity clinic follows a model akin to law and medical schools that offer free community clinics, focusing on serving those most vulnerable to cyber threats. It highlights Tougaloo College’s commitment to diversity by actively recruiting students from a variety of academic backgrounds, aiming to cultivate a new generation of cybersecurity professionals. 

As one of 15 higher education institutions nationwide launching a cybersecurity clinic in 2024, Tougaloo College is part of a groundbreaking collaboration with Google and the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics. This initiative not only recognizes the escalating importance of cybersecurity but also addresses the urgent need for accessible security services tailored for at-risk communities. 

With the rise in digital threats, the establishment of the Tougaloo College cybersecurity clinic is a timely and essential step in safeguarding vulnerable organizations.  

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