Google fuels cybersecurity sector with $20m educational boost
Cybersecurity is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, as cyberattacks pose a growing threat to the economy, national security and public safety. According to the Cybersecurity Ventures, there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally by 2023, creating an urgent need for more skilled professionals in this field.
To address this gap, Google has announced a $20 million investment to support the establishment and growth of cybersecurity clinics at 20 higher education institutions across the US. These clinics will provide free cybersecurity services to local organizations that lack the resources or expertise to protect themselves from cyber threats, such as hospitals, schools and energy grids.
The clinics will also offer experiential learning opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds who are interested in pursuing careers in cybersecurity. The students will gain hands-on experience in solving real-world problems, while receiving mentorship from Google employees and faculty members. Additionally, Google will offer scholarships for students to earn Google Cybersecurity Certificates for free.
Google's CEO Sundar Pichai said in a blog post: "These clinics provide free security services in the same way law or medical schools offer free clinics in their communities. They give students the opportunity to learn and improve their skills, while helping to protect critical infrastructure."
The initiative is a collaboration between Google and the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics, a network of academic institutions that are committed to advancing cybersecurity education and research. The consortium includes Stillman College, the University of Texas system, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon University and others.
Ann Cleaveland, co-chair of the Consortium and executive director of the UC Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity, said in a statement: "Google's leadership in expanding the cybersecurity clinic model across the US will be transformative. This dedicated investment in cybersecurity clinics is about civic engagement, hands-on cybersecurity training, propelling new talent into the profession and defending public interest organizations."
Google's investment is part of its broader efforts to strengthen the cybersecurity workforce and ecosystem. Earlier this month, Google announced a $12 million research partnership with New York universities to explore new ways of using artificial intelligence to enhance cybersecurity. In May, Google launched a new online cybersecurity certificate program that can be completed in six months or less.
Google hopes that its initiatives will inspire more people to join the cybersecurity field and help create a more secure and resilient digital world.
Sources:
(1) Google fuels cybersecurity sector with $20m educational boost. https://fintech.global/2023/07/03/google-fuels-cybersecurity-sector-with-20m-educational-boost/.
(2) Google backs $20M effort to train students for key cybersecurity jobs. https://www.cybersecuritydive.com/news/google-20m-students-cybersecurity-jobs/653783/.
(3) Google Puts $20M Toward Higher Ed Cybersecurity Clinics. https://www.govtech.com/biz/google-puts-20m-toward-higher-ed-cybersecurity-clinics.
