Not only does the grant help provide services, it also creates workforce development opportunities for UT San Antonio students.
CIAS Community Cybersecurity Clinic (C4) strengthens community safety and resilience by offering organizations cybersecurity services, such as training, reputation and information leak searches, vulnerability assessments, policy development and reviews and incident response plan (IRP) evaluations.
Comprised of UT San Antonio cybersecurity undergraduate and graduate students, C4 helps prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals through real-world, practical experience. Furthermore, students work alongside CIAS staff, gaining valuable skills in planning, conducting and completing cyber assistance for organizations of all sizes.
“This generous gift from Craig Newmark Philanthropies makes it possible for us to expand both our service to the community and our impact on student development,” said Natalie Sjelin, director of the CIAS. “C4 not only helps organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture but also creates a strong workforce pipeline of skilled cybersecurity professionals.”
Craig Newmark, philanthropist and founder of the online classified ad website Craigslist, has contributed more than $500 million to causes. Moreover, those causes include supporting veterans and military families, nonpartisan journalism, cybersecurity education, hunger relief and pigeon rescue.
His philanthropy focuses on safeguarding America’s security and strengthening communities.
Research assistant Nathaniel Buckner-Smartt and CIAS Director Natalie Sjelin gave a presentation aiming to demystify cybersecurity.
Source: UT San Antonio
“Protecting infrastructure is a seriously big deal,” said Newmark, founder of Craig Newmark Philanthropies. “CIAS does good work protecting communities who need a little help keeping our infrastructure safe while training folks who will get key cybersecurity jobs down the road. Their work is really good for the country.”
The gift will allow C4 to expand its reach to more organizations, broaden student training opportunities and reinforce the CIAS mission of advancing cybersecurity readiness across the nation.