Google has committed more than $20m to aid the establishment and growth of cybersecurity clinics at 20 higher educational institutes across the US.
The hefty funding is set to benefit universities employing their students to render cost-free cybersecurity services to local establishments. By this means, these cybersecurity clinics intend to equip students with industry-specific experience, enhance the local defensive capabilities, and channel students towards cybersecurity careers.
This latest investment is set to breathe life into the experiential learning within cybersecurity, setting the stage for innovation, economic opportunities, and fortified national security. The funds will be distributed in partnership with the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics, which counts Stillman College and the University of Texas system among its members.
Kemba Walden, the acting national cyber director, applauded Google’s investment at Thursday’s event, highlighting its value for the U.S economy. She also revealed the upcoming plans to boost cybersecurity capabilities in collaboration with other institutions amidst a concerning rise in the number of vacant cybersecurity roles in the country.
Google’s latest funding move complements the growing interest among U.S policymakers to fortify the country’s cybersecurity workforce. As highlighted by Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, the cybersecurity challenges pose an escalating risk to the country’s economy, warranting significant advancements and the deployment of AI in security contexts.
Pichai said, “Just as technology can create new threats it can also help us fight them. AI can also profoundly change how security professionals do their jobs, with better tools for detecting and resolving threats.”
This latest commitment from Google aligns with its previous efforts to strengthen the cybersecurity workforce. Just this month, the company declared a $12m research partnership with New York universities, and in May, it announced the addition of a cybersecurity certificate to its Google Career training programme.
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