The Catalyst Cyber clinic launched this week and will be staffed by cybersecurity learners and recent grads.
Few people will forget when the Toronto Public Library experienced a devastating ransomware attack in 2023 that disrupted their services for months. The reality is, non-profit and donation-based organizations often have large pools of sensitive and personal information and few resources to defend against cyber attacks. Unfortunately, this makes them attractive targets for cybercriminals. To add to this, 21 per cent of small charities in Canada indicate that they have no data protection policies in place.
To help these under-resourced organizations, the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has launched the Catalyst Cyber Clinic. The Catalyst Cyber Clinic will offer free cybersecurity services to under-resourced not-for-profit organizations in Canada.
"The clinic reflects our commitment to building a more resilient and secure digital ecosystem for everyone," said Charles Finlay, founding executive director of the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst at TMU.
The Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst at TMU is also taking an important approach to its services at the Catalyst Cyber Clinic. The free services offered to these non-profit organizations will be delivered by cybersecurity learners and recent graduates, giving future cybersecurity experts the chance to get hands-on experience working with real clients on cyber challenges.
"By empowering future cyber professionals with practical experience and supporting vulnerable organizations, we are fostering resilience where it matters most within the communities that power Canada's civil society," said Finlay.
The Catalyst Cyber Clinic will also be the first Canadian member of the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics, a network of leading cyber clinics in the United States and internationally. Headquartered at the University of California, Berkeley, the Consortium includes clinics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; the University of Texas at Austin, and over 30 other public and private universities and colleges across the United States and beyond.
"We are thrilled to welcome the Catalyst Cyber Clinic as the first Canadian cyber clinic to join our growing membership," said Ann Cleaveland, co-chair of the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics. "With partners like Catalyst, we're building a more resilient digital landscape across North America and beyond."
The Catalyst Cyber Clinic has been made possible thanks to computing leader Okta, which is funding this initiative through a major donation from its philanthropic arm, Okta for Good. Okta for Good's contribution will support the launch of the Catalyst Cyber Clinic and its initial program deliveries.
"The Catalyst Cyber Clinic will be a game-changer," said Victor Cordon, director of social impact at Okta for Good. "We are proud to support a program that bridges skill gaps, drives social good, and strengthens Canada's cyber landscape."
For more information about the Catalyst Cyber Clinic, visit the Catalyst Cyber Clinic website.
