Google awards UTEP $1 million grant to enhance cyber security in the Borderland area

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The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has received a $1 million grant from the Google Cybersecurity Clinic Fund to establish the UTEP Miners Cybersecurity Clinic. This clinic will focus on boosting cybersecurity efforts in the border community through curriculum and student development, as well as outreach events to increase awareness of cybersecurity threats. The UTEP clinic will be one of 15 established this year at higher education institutions across the country, providing free digital security services to under-resourced organizations.

The UTEP Miners Cybersecurity Clinic will assess the risks and vulnerabilities of the community’s critical digital infrastructure, including small businesses, hospitals, schools, and power grids. This initiative will connect UTEP students with critical infrastructure and improve local cybersecurity capabilities. Dr. Monika Akbar, associate professor in the Department of Computer Science at UTEP, expressed gratitude for Google’s support and explained how the funding will help train students with the latest knowledge, tools, and techniques in cybersecurity.

Through hands-on training and real-world applications, UTEP students will provide essential cybersecurity services in under-resourced areas, working to safeguard critical systems. This clinic represents UTEP’s commitment to developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals capable of detecting, assessing, and responding to emerging cybersecurity threats within the community and beyond.

The establishment of the UTEP Miners Cybersecurity Clinic is seen as a significant step in enhancing cybersecurity in the border region and preparing students for careers in this growing field. The grant from Google will enable UTEP to provide valuable resources and support to small businesses, hospitals, schools, and other organizations in need of cybersecurity assistance.

By offering free digital security services and hands-on training to students, UTEP aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, helping to address the evolving cybersecurity needs of critical infrastructure and small businesses. The UTEP Miners Cybersecurity Clinic will play a crucial role in strengthening local cybersecurity defenses and building a more secure digital environment for the border community.

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