In recent years, ransomware groups have increasingly targeted US municipalities, highlighting the vulnerability of local governments to cyber attacks. When municipal IT systems are compromised, cities are frequently left to seek reactive aid from the federal government. To address this issue proactively, universities are using cybersecurity clinic programs to build local cyber capacity. The university clinic model provides students with hands-on experience while enabling cities to access cybersecurity expertise they might not otherwise be able to afford.
University-led cybersecurity clinics help to train and deploy students to provide free cyber risk assessments and give simple, step-by-step recommendations to government and community groups. They may also design and implement custom cybersecurity solutions that bolster client defenses and guide future incident response. Such clinics are well-positioned to enhance local institutions’ cybersecurity capacities as universities are typically deeply embedded in their local communities.
By serving as force multipliers, university cybersecurity clinics can help achieve cyber defense goals across local, state, and federal governments. In addition, they can track students into the cybersecurity workforce, easing the shortage of cybersecurity expertise by providing a talent pipeline and internship-like experiences that bridge existing gaps.
The cybersecurity clinic network is scalable and can represent a long-term and sustainable presence in the areas they serve. As the workforce catches up and more skilled professionals enter the field, clinics can evolve and adapt their services, offering advanced cybersecurity solutions, specialized consulting expertise, and research collaboration.
Municipalities interested in incorporating university-led cybersecurity clinic programs into their local cyber planning and prevention strategy may consult the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics for resources and contact information.
As a final point, the sustained presence of cyber clinics will be essential in supporting the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape, and ensuring small, local organizations have essential resources to combat emerging threats.
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, relying solely on state and federal resources to confront them may no longer be enough. Incorporating university-led cybersecurity clinics into local cyber planning and prevention offers a proactive and free third-party solution to ransomware attacks. It enables municipalities to foster local cyber resilience and reduce reliance on reactive state and federal intervention.
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