Brief
Google.org funds $3.5 million for new cyber‑clinic hub in Brampton
The funding will help train students and new professionals to provide free cybersecurity consulting to Canadian community groups.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Google.org announced a $3.5 million contribution to a Brampton‑based cybersecurity training hub on Wednesday morning, as part of the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst’s launch of the Cyber Clinics Canada program.
What happened
The grant will support the national expansion of the Catalyst Cyber Clinic network, which began last year to offer free cybersecurity consulting to non‑profits and community organisations. The Brampton hub will train post‑secondary students and early‑career professionals to conduct vulnerability assessments, phishing education, incident‑response planning and compliance advice for smaller organisations.
What the reports add
Betakit notes that the program is described as a “teaching hospital for the digital age,” with learners working under expert supervision. Google Canada vice‑president and country manager Sabrina Geremia said the model is proven and scalable, and that expanding it will improve access to cyber education while supporting vulnerable groups.
What was said
Charles Finlay, founding executive director of the Catalyst, said, “Much like teaching hospitals give future healthcare professionals practical experience while serving patients, cyber clinics give learners the opportunity to tackle current cybersecurity challenges under expert supervision, while providing smaller organizations with support they may not otherwise be able to afford.”
Geremia added, “Building a strong, diverse, and skilled cybersecurity workforce is more important than ever.”
How it came about
The Catalyst was launched in 2018 at Toronto Metropolitan University to promote training, research and commercial innovation in cybersecurity. Increased cyber‑attacks, including a 44 percent year‑over‑year rise reported by IBM earlier this year, have driven demand for such hands‑on education models.
Key facts
- Google.org pledged $3.5 million to a Brampton cybersecurity training hub. (betakit.com)
- The funding supports the national Cyber Clinics Canada program. (betakit.com)
- Students will provide free consulting on vulnerability assessments, phishing training and compliance. (betakit.com)
Sources
- [1] betakit.com — originally reported as “Google backs launch of cross-Canada cybersecurity training hubs”
