The Indiana University Cybersecurity Clinic, founded in 2019 to train the next generation of cybersecurity leaders, will develop a toolkit to help community colleges and universities building independent cybersecurity clinics, thanks to a $1.725 million donation from Craig Newmark Philanthropies.
A three-year promise, this donation will support the newly founded Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics, which includes IU. The consortium strives to grow the number of cybersecurity clinics at colleges and universities in the U.S. and internationally.
"This important investment from Craig Newmark Philanthropies in the Consortium for Cybersecurity Clinic will enable us to not only deepen ties between the partner universities, but also develop new tools and capabilities allowing IU to help more organizations and communities suffering from a wide range of cyber-attacks," said Scott Shackelford, academic director of the IU Cybersecurity Clinic. "This funding also will allow us to help a diverse range of universities and community colleges launch their own clinics, which will help us continue to address the dire cybersecurity talent shortage across the nation and the world."
The Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics was created by IU, the University of California, Berkley and other founding members to further cybersecurity education, assemble defenses against digital threats and prepare for the next wave of cybersecurity technologies. Their efforts unite clinicians, trainers and advocates to connect and share information, broaden the reach of cybersecurity education and provide support for other higher education institutions to build clinics.
"Cybersecurity clinics are not only important for providing applied opportunities for students, but also to aid so many communities in need across Indiana," said Isak Nti Asare, director of the IU Cybersecurity Clinic. "This is directly in-line with IU's mission to translate theory into practice in service of the state. It is exciting to be a part of this national consortium of clinics all sharing the same mission in various regions, and we trust that this partnership will magnify the work that we are all already doing."
The consortium will have members propose new projects and vote on where the donation funds will be allocated. Funds will allow for the expansion of teaching and education resources for cybersecurity clinics and increase visibility around public interest through fresh events and communication efforts.
Other founding members of the consortium include the University of Alabama Cybersecurity Clinic; University of Georgia CyberArch; Global Cyber Alliance; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Rochester Institute of Technology; and the R Street Institute. Additional participants include members from three countries, nine states and the District of Columbia.