Program Overview
Introduction to the DePaul Cybersecurity Clinic
The DePaul Cybersecurity Clinic is a university-based program that trains students from diverse backgrounds and academic expertise to strengthen the digital defenses of non-profits, hospitals, municipalities, small businesses, and other under-resourced organizations in the community. The clinic's mission is to deliver real-world, client-facing cybersecurity learning that accelerates student workforce readiness and empowers non-profits to boost awareness, adopt essential safeguards, and reduce risk.
Our Mission
The DePaul Cybersecurity Clinic aims to provide student-led cybersecurity risk assessments that identify security vulnerabilities and recommend practical safeguards to organizational security improvements. Through this process, students gain hands-on, real-world experience that prepares them for careers in the cybersecurity workforce.
Why a DePaul Cybersecurity Clinic?
Nonprofit organizations and small businesses in Chicago face growing cyber threats, including phishing, account compromise, and data breaches, yet often lack the resources to hire expensive security consultants. The DePaul Cybersecurity Clinic addresses this challenge by providing cybersecurity services to these organizations, while also developing a talent pipeline for cyber civil defense.
Who We Serve
The DePaul Cybersecurity Clinic serves community nonprofit organizations and small businesses in Chicago.
Student Eligibility
DePaul full-time students who have completed prerequisite courses are eligible to participate in the clinic.
What We Do
The DePaul Cybersecurity Clinic provides student-led cybersecurity risk assessments, security policy development, access control, Google Workspace security, computer security, and network security services. The clinic also offers training workshops and security program development to help organizations improve their cybersecurity posture.
Security Risk Assessment
The clinic conducts thorough security risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and recommend practical safeguards.
Training Workshops
The clinic offers training workshops on various cybersecurity topics, including security policy development, access control, and incident response.
Security Program Development
The clinic helps organizations develop comprehensive security programs to improve their overall cybersecurity posture.
Examples of Security Areas We Address
The clinic addresses various security areas, including:
- Security Policy Development: The clinic provides clients with policy documents based on widely used industry security guidance.
- Access Control: The clinic assesses role-based access control for shared drives and organizational systems and performs access log analysis.
- Google Workspace Security: The clinic assesses the security settings and system access of Google Workspace for Nonprofits and makes recommendations for improvement.
- Computer Security: The clinic assesses and recommends fundamental security settings and safeguards for employer-issued computers and BYOD.
- Network Security: The clinic examines router settings and connected devices, assesses remote access and data encryption, and provides tutorials on configuring network security.
- AI in Nonprofits: The clinic provides training on responsible AI usage policies and identifying AI-enhanced cyber threats.
Student Readiness for Client Engagement
The clinic prepares students for client engagement through:
- DePaul's Cybersecurity Curriculum
- Faculty Coaching
- Interdisciplinary Teams
- Security Daemon Student Club Competitions
- Security Standards & Regulatory Frameworks
- Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics Engagement
Our Team
The DePaul Cybersecurity Clinic team includes:
- Janine L Spears, PhD, Clinic Founder and Director
- Ryan Haley, Clinic Associate Director
- Tawei (David) Wang, PhD, Associate Dean Driehaus College of Business
- Miranda Standberry-Wallace, Associate Director, Steans Center
- Manon, Research Assistant
- Vinay, Student Leader
- Alex, Clinic Assistant
Testimonials
The clinic has received positive feedback from clients and alumni, who appreciate the practical and actionable recommendations provided by the clinic. Clients have reported implementing the clinic's recommendations and improving their overall cybersecurity posture.