DSU celebrates five years of the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics

July 31, 2026

MADISON, S.D. - Joining cybersecurity clinics around the world, Dakota State University is celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics.

Founded in 2021, the Consortium is an international network of university-based cybersecurity clinics and partner organizations working to advance cybersecurity education for the public good. Its members provide cybersecurity assistance to under-resourced organizations while preparing students to become the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Over its first five years, the Consortium has expanded to 60 clinics in eight countries, including 44 clinics across 29 U.S. states. Consortium members have trained more than 3,700 students and served more than 900 community organizations.

DSU joined the Consortium in 2024 after receiving $1 million from Google.org's Cybersecurity Clinics Fund to establish the DSU Cybersecurity Clinic. The clinic brings together hands-on cybersecurity education and community service, allowing students to work directly with small businesses, local governments, schools, nonprofits, rural communities, and critical infrastructure partners.

These organizations increasingly face threats such as ransomware, phishing, business email compromise, data breaches, and AI-enabled fraud. Many do not have the financial or technical resources to address those threats alone.

"The DSU Cybersecurity Clinic brings hands-on cybersecurity education and community service together right here in Madison, South Dakota," said Dr. Ashley Podhradsky, vice president for Research & Economic Development at DSU. "This isn't simulated learning. Our students gain real-world experience while helping strengthen the resilience of organizations that anchor our communities."

Across DSU's clinic-related efforts, students and staff support hundreds of cybersecurity assessments, penetration tests, training sessions, and other applied security engagements each year. The work helps participating organizations better understand their vulnerabilities, strengthen their defenses, and prepare for real-world cyber threats.

For students, the clinic offers opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom to real organizations, systems, and community needs. Students gain practical experience while developing technical, communication, problem-solving, and client-service skills that will serve them throughout their careers.

For community partners, the clinic provides trusted cybersecurity guidance and services that might otherwise be out of reach. Services are offered pro bono, helping organizations improve their cybersecurity practices without adding a significant financial burden.

The Consortium was modeled after clinics commonly found in law and medical schools. It provides a forum for faculty members, students, trainers, and advocates to exchange knowledge, share educational resources, expand the reach of cybersecurity clinics, and help other colleges and universities establish clinics of their own.

Through its membership, DSU contributes to a growing national and international movement that connects cybersecurity education with public service. The partnership also strengthens DSU's ability to share effective practices, build new collaborations, and expand the impact of its cybersecurity expertise throughout South Dakota and beyond.

For Podhradsky, the clinic model creates value for students, community organizations, and the partners supporting the work.

"For students, the clinic provides hands-on experience with real organizations, real systems, and real community needs," she said. "For community partners, it provides trusted cybersecurity support that many organizations could not otherwise access. For industry and philanthropic partners, it is an opportunity to strengthen regional resilience while helping prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals."

Learn more about the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics and DSU's membership in the Consortium.

Tags: The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences Cyber All News Research