"Cyber Win: NSA Selects LSU to Build Cybersecurity Clinic to Support Small Businesses in Louisiana"
The National Security Agency (NSA) has selected Louisiana State University (LSU) as the first university in the US to develop and pilot a cyber clinic to help protect small businesses, which are becoming increasingly frequent targets of cyberattacks. The LSU Cybersecurity Clinic (LCC) will provide free services through the Louisiana Small Business and Development Center at LSU while offering opportunities for students in the LSU College of Engineering and LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business to advance their cybersecurity education, gain practical experience, and earn professional certifications. The initial $1.5 million award from the NSA will be used to establish the LCC, providing services through three collaborative sub-clinics run by LSU students and faculty advisors. Each sub-clinic has a distinct purpose and technical focus. Together, they will make it easier for small businesses in Louisiana to access solutions to highly technical issues. The first sub-clinic, focusing on threat and vulnerability assessment, will place students on the offensive by having them pose as malicious hackers to help businesses identify security flaws. The cyber defense sub-clinic will provide guidance and solutions. The cyber risk assessment sub-clinic will focus on a company's specific assets, data, and operations to develop practical and effective mitigation strategies. This article continues to discuss the NSA-funded LCC that will enable small businesses in Louisiana to reach a proper cybersecurity posture.