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South Texas College to Launch Cybersecurity Clinic, Offering Free Services to Local Businesses
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A new initiative from South Texas College (STC) will provide crucial cybersecurity support to businesses and organizations across the Rio Grande Valley, bridging a critical gap in protection against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
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South Texas College is poised to launch a groundbreaking cybersecurity clinic, a first for the Rio Grande Valley, designed to offer free services to local businesses, non-profit organizations, and boutiques. The clinic will not only benefit the community but also provide invaluable real-world experience for STC students.
The impetus for this initiative stems from the growing frequency and impact of cyberattacks on small and medium-sized businesses. Danya Bernardino, a barista at Nerve coffee shop in the area, recounted a recent incident. “The system that we were using, there have been times where our bosses got hacked, and it was pretty devastating,” she explained. The attack caused disruptions to operations, including issues with employee clock-ins and account access, necessitating password resets and system updates.
The STC clinic aims to proactively address such vulnerabilities. Fifteen students, under the guidance of Computer Science Assistant Professor Nicholas Hinojosa, will participate, applying their classroom learning to practical scenarios. ”It allows our students, while they’re still taking courses, to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real world scenarios, so that way they can increase their experience,” Hinojosa stated.
Funded by a $467,000 grant, the clinic will offer a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity services. These include risk assessments to identify potential weaknesses, response planning to prepare for incidents, and cybersecurity awareness training for employees. More technically, students will conduct vulnerability testing and penetration testing to proactively uncover and address security flaws.
“We’ll also be doing tabletop exercises, which are simulated cyberattacks to help businesses understand how to respond,” Hinojosa added. The college is already engaging with potential clients, signaling strong demand for these services.
While still in the planning stages, the cybersecurity clinic is anticipated to begin operations in spring 2026, promising a notable boost to the region’s cybersecurity posture.
the Rising Tide of Cyber Threats: A Look at the Landscape
Cybersecurity is no longer a concern solely for large corporations. Small and medium-sized businesses are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, often lacking the resources to adequately defend themselves. According to a recent report by verizon, 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses. The cost of a data breach for a small business can be devastating, potentially leading to financial ruin. This clinic represents a proactive step towards mitigating these risks in the Rio Grande Valley.
Trends indicate a growing sophistication in cyberattacks, with ransomware, phishing, and supply chain attacks becoming more prevalent. businesses must prioritize cybersecurity awareness training for employees and implement robust security measures to protect their data and systems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cybersecurity for Small Businesses
What is a risk assessment and why is it crucial?
A risk assessment identifies potential vulnerabilities in your systems and data. It’s crucial for understanding your weaknesses and prioritizing security measures.
What is penetration testing?
Penetration testing simulates a real-world cyberattack to identify weaknesses in your security defenses. It helps you understand how a hacker might exploit your systems.