On Dec. 5, students from the OC Cyber Innovation Clinic, based at Cal State Fullerton, led a Crash Course in Business Cybersecurity session for leading Orange County nonprofits. The 90-minute session, which featured a robust Q&A section, presented prevalent cyber risks, an overview of laws and regulations, available security controls, and more. Done in partnership with Farmers & Merchants Bank, it was attended by nonprofit leaders in the education, religious, housing and human services areas.
OCCIC is a co-curricular program run out of the College of Engineering and Computer Science’s Center for Cybersecurity. Students from any major can apply to be either a trainee, for those new to cybersecurity, or an associate, for those who have more cybersecurity experience. The current cohort of 13 students was selected from over 200 applicants. Under faculty guidance of Mikhail Gofman, professor of computer science, and Michael Franklin, lecturer in computer science, OCCIC’s mission is to provide students with multidisciplinary, hands-on training in the technical, business and regulatory aspects of cybersecurity to benefit Orange County small businesses and nonprofits.
Clinicians can help serve as navigators at events like this one, pointing out industry-relevant threats as well as how to begin to self-assess and set up frameworks for a healthy cyber-posture. Students work toward industry certifications that validate their knowledge while also gaining practical experience by assisting small businesses and nonprofits that lack adequate cybersecurity resources.
“This approach strengthens the cyber resilience of our local community while preparing students with the skills and credentials most valued by employers,” said Gofman “We are very grateful for partners like Farmers & Merchants Bank, who recognize the community need and invest in the clinic’s students so they can be a resource for the region.”
This workshop session, one of three planned with these nonprofits, exemplifies how philanthropic partnership can benefit the wider landscape of Orange County.
“F&M Bank is proud to support this vital education for our nonprofit business community alongside CSUF,” said Tiffany Robert, director for Farmers & Merchants Bank Foundation. “We look forward to continuing this partnership to help Orange County nonprofits serve their mission while being cyber-secure.”
