A Canadian university’s cybersecurity training centre is launching a national cyber clinic initiative to offer hands-on experience and access to cybersecurity support for community organizations.
Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst centre launched Cyber Clinics Canada on Oct. 14, backed by $3.5 million in funding from Google’s charitable arm, Google.org. $1 million of the funding will go to Catalyst, while the rest will support the cyber clinics.
Cyber clinics are hands-on learning programs that pair cybersecurity learners with nonprofit and social impact organizations that need cybersecurity support. Working with experienced professionals, learners gain meaningful, practical experience, while organizations receive free cybersecurity support they may not otherwise be able to afford.
These clinics can offer a wide range of services, including Vulnerability and Risk Assessments, Basic Security Implementation, Phishing and Hygiene training, Incident Response Planning, and Regulatory and privacy Compliance.
It was also noted that the initiative will bring Canadian postsecondary institutions together to give learners hands-on cybersecurity experience while providing more community organizations access to criminal cybersecurity support.
“Building a strong, diverse and skilled cybersecurity workforce is more important than ever,” said Sabrina Geremia, vice-president and country manager, Google Canada. “Cyber clinics are a proven, scalable model and expanding this program across Canada will meaningfully improve access to cyber education while delivering critical support to vulnerable organizations that serve Canadians.”
Notably, cyber clinics like this aren’t just in Canada. There are 61 cyber clinics across eight countries, and a network of post-secondary institutions has the tools and knowledge to launch their own cyber clinics.
Header image credit: Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
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