STC Launches Free Cybersecurity Clinic to Protect Small Businesses
Hey everyone, I’ve got some really exciting news coming out of the Rio Grande Valley. South Texas College, or STC, is set to launch the Valley’s very first cybersecurity clinic specifically designed for small businesses—and the best part? It’s completely free.
This initiative comes after STC’s Cybersecurity program was awarded a $467,000 grant through the Advanced Technological Education program from the National Science Foundation. This three-year grant will fund the creation of the clinic and allow STC to provide local businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to secure their networks, protect sensitive data, and defend against potential cyberattacks. At the same time, STC students will gain hands-on, real-world experience in cybersecurity—something that’s invaluable as they enter the workforce.
Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Nicholas Hinojosa, shared his enthusiasm, saying that while there are cybersecurity clinics in other parts of the state and even across the country, this will be the first of its kind here in the Rio Grande Valley. He emphasized that it’s not just about helping students learn, but also about making the local business community safer.
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The clinic’s services will cover a wide range of cybersecurity needs. Students, supervised by STC faculty, will help businesses with risk assessments, incident response, penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, and even cybersecurity awareness training. This means that small business owners can learn how to protect themselves against hackers and cyberattacks before any damage occurs. Francisco Salinas, STC’s department chair and assistant professor of Cybersecurity, called it a “win-win” for everyone involved. Businesses get protection, students get experience, and the region benefits as a whole.
The clinic is especially aimed at small businesses and organizations that may be underserved when it comes to cybersecurity. This includes nonprofits, health clinics, faith-based organizations, restaurants, boutiques, libraries, and schools. Hinojosa made a point to stress that these services are free and that the clinic wants as many local businesses as possible to participate. Even though the grant is for three years, the long-term goal is to make this a sustainable, ongoing resource for the community.
This program also places STC in an impressive network of national and international cybersecurity clinics, joining schools like MIT, University of Texas, and Northeastern State University. By being part of this consortium, STC will be able to share knowledge, best practices, and resources that will help further protect the Valley’s businesses.
The clinic is expected to officially launch in spring 2026, and recruitment for both students and small businesses is already underway. Considering that nearly 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses—and the average cost to recover can reach up to $600,000—this initiative couldn’t come at a better time. It’s designed to help businesses take proactive measures, protect their reputations, and avoid potentially devastating losses.
For any small business owner or organization interested in participating, STC is encouraging you to reach out, learn more, and sign up. It’s a unique opportunity that’s not only about technology—it’s about community, safety, and preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
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