Google has pledged $20 million to support the creation of cybersecurity clinics as part of its efforts to address the increasing number of cyberattacks and the shortage of skilled professionals in the field.
The donation will establish and expand the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics, providing opportunities for college students to explore careers in cybersecurity while helping to secure critical infrastructure in local communities.
“Just as technology can create new threats, it can also help us fight them,” Google CEO Sundar Pichai said. “Security was critical to the work I did early in my Google career, including when we built our Chrome browser. Today, it’s core to everything we do, and the current inflection point in AI is helping take our efforts to the next level.”
Currently, there is a significant shortage of cybersecurity professionals, with over 650,000 open positions globally. Pichai believes cybersecurity clinics will inspire more individuals to enter the field by providing practical experience and enhancing their marketability.
Prior to the donation, Google launched its Google Cybersecurity Certificate program, which aims to prepare individuals for entry-level cybersecurity jobs. In addition, the company has partnered with New York universities to create learning and career opportunities in cybersecurity.
By 2030, the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics aims to have clinics in every state, bolstering the resilience of organizations against cyber threats. The clinics will play a vital role in safeguarding critical US infrastructure as the digitization of sensitive data continues to increase.
Google’s donation will not only provide hands-on training for students but also strengthen cybersecurity defenses and contribute to a more diverse workforce. These efforts are crucial in the face of escalating cyber threats in our increasingly digital world.
“Making sure we protect and safeguard both the consumer services and the enterprises services we provide is foundational to the company, which is why we treat it as such,” Pichai said during an interview with The Associated Press. “We’ve been building security from the ground up for a long time and training to innovate and stay ahead.”