San Diego Cyber Clinic receives $1 Million grant from Google to enhance cybersecurity training

Photo by Brandon Van Zanten of Cal State San Marcos

A collaboration between the Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE), California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), National University, and San Diego State University (SDSU) has received a $1 million grant from Google’s Cybersecurity Clinics Fund to establish the San Diego Cyber Clinic. 

The funding, provided by Google.org, is part of a broader $25 million initiative with the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics.

The San Diego Cyber Clinic will provide free digital security services to under-resourced organisations, similar to community clinics operated by law or medical schools.

 CSUSM, National University, and SDSU students will gain practical experience in cybersecurity and AI while helping protect local small businesses, hospitals, schools, and energy grids from cyberattacks.

The World Economic Forum's 2024 Global Risks Report identifies cyber insecurity as one of the top 10 global risks over the next decade. There are nearly 450,000 open cybersecurity jobs in the U.S., including 37,667 in California and 5,092 in San Diego. The demand for cyber professionals is expected to grow by 32% by 2033.

Joseph Oregon, Chief of Cybersecurity, Region 9, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), commented:

“The San Diego region is leading the charge with more than 1,000 cyber firms, top ranked education and research institutes, and the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR).

“This collaborative ‘Ecosystem in Action,’ as highlighted in the White House National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy, is helping seed and diversify the talent pipeline, which is critical to advancing our country’s homeland security.”

Lisa Easterly, President & CEO of CCOE, added:

“The San Diego Cyber Clinic, led by Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE), CSUSM, National University and SDSU, is honored to be a recipient of the Google Cybersecurity Clinics Fund.

“Our Clinic will arm students with hands-on training and cyber career pathways, while supporting small businesses and under-resourced organisations to help grow an inclusive cyber workforce and create a more secure digital community for all.”

The San Diego Cyber Clinic is the only multi-institution clinic in the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics, with a nonprofit industry partner leading the charge. It aims to service clients in the San Diego region's public and private sectors. 

By engaging key industry, academic, and government stakeholders, including the City-led and U.S. DHS-funded San Diego Regional Cyber Lab, the Clinic aims to grow an inclusive cyber workforce and enhance digital security.

Heather Adkins, VP of Security Engineering at Google, noted: 

“The world is in a moment where emerging technologies, like AI, are creating both new opportunities and threats in the world of cybersecurity.

“It’s essential that we invest in growing a strong, diverse and widespread cybersecurity workforce to help protect everyone - from critical infrastructure to small businesses and schools.

“The 15 clinics that we’re helping to establish serve a wide variety of students across all corners of the U.S. and we’re excited to see the impact they’ll have in their local communities.”

The San Diego Cyber Clinic is among 15 new clinics launching in 2024 at higher education institutions across the U.S., supported by Google and the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics. In addition to the $1 million in funding, Google is providing the San Diego Cyber Clinic with volunteer mentorship, Google Titan Security Keys, and scholarships for the Google Career Certificate in Cybersecurity.

Ann Cleaveland, co-founder and co-chair of the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics and Executive Director of the UC Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity, stated:

"Google's transformative investment is catalyzing cybersecurity for the public good. We congratulate the recipients and applaud these awards, which propel forward the vision of the Consortium to establish a cybersecurity clinic in every U.S. state by 2030."