How LSU’s Cybersecurity Clinic Is Becoming a National Model for Protecting Critical Infrastructure—Backed by a $1M Google.org Grant

Baton Rouge, LA — May 7, 2026 — In an era where cyberattacks on essential services are rising at an alarming rate, Louisiana State University (LSU) is stepping up to lead the charge in cybersecurity education and infrastructure protection. The university’s Cybersecurity Clinic has secured a landmark $1 million grant from Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, to expand its free education and evaluation services for Louisiana’s industry and government clients. This funding marks LSU’s first-ever grant from Google.org and signals a major expansion in securing critical infrastructure—from water treatment facilities and oil wells to chemical plants—across the state.

Why This Matters: The Growing Threat to Critical Infrastructure

Cyberattacks on essential services are no longer a distant threat—they’re a daily reality. Recent incidents, including disruptions to power grids, hospital systems, and water treatment facilities, have underscored the urgent need for a skilled cybersecurity workforce capable of defending against evolving threats. According to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), ransomware attacks alone increased by over 90% in 2025, with critical infrastructure sectors—such as energy, healthcare, and manufacturing—ranked as top targets.

LSU’s Cybersecurity Clinic is addressing this gap by providing hands-on training for students even as offering no-cost security evaluations to local organizations that lack in-house expertise. The clinic’s expansion, made possible by Google.org’s funding, will allow it to serve a broader range of clients, including small businesses, municipal governments, and industrial sectors that are often overlooked in cybersecurity initiatives.

The Clinic’s Dual Mission: Education and Community Protection

Founded in 2023 by Aisha Ali-Gombe, an associate professor in LSU’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering and a researcher at the LSU Center for Computation & Technology, the Cybersecurity Clinic operates on a simple yet powerful model: students learn by doing, and communities benefit from expert security assessments.

Under Ali-Gombe’s leadership, the clinic combines academic rigor with real-world impact. Students—many of whom are pursuing degrees in cybersecurity, computer science, or related fields—work directly with industry and government partners to identify vulnerabilities, implement security best practices, and respond to incidents. This hands-on approach not only prepares the next generation of cybersecurity professionals but also provides critical infrastructure operators with the expertise they need to mitigate risks.

“Navigating the recent increase in disruptive cyber-attacks on essential services—from local power grids to hospitals—will rely on a strong cyber workforce capable of defending against everyday threats,” said Maab Ibrahim, Head of Knowledge, Skills, and Learning for the Americas at Google.org. “Cyber clinics are a crucial part of this effort: they give students the hands-on experience they need to start careers, while at the same time providing vital, no-cost security services to local organizations that need them most. It’s a smart investment in both our workforce and the critical infrastructure that communities depend on.”

Ibrahim’s remarks highlight a key advantage of the clinic’s model: it bridges the gap between education and industry, ensuring that theoretical knowledge is immediately applied to protect real-world assets. For Louisiana—a state with a robust energy sector, extensive chemical manufacturing, and vital water systems—the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Expanding Reach: Who Will Benefit from the $1M Grant?

The $1 million grant from Google.org will enable the LSU Cybersecurity Clinic to:

• Scale free security evaluations for small and medium-sized businesses, local governments, and critical infrastructure operators across Louisiana.
• Enhance student training programs by providing more resources for hands-on cybersecurity exercises, including simulated attack scenarios and defensive strategies.
• Develop tailored cybersecurity resources for high-risk sectors, such as oil and gas, water treatment, and healthcare.
• Strengthen partnerships with state and federal agencies, including CISA and the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, to align with broader cybersecurity initiatives.

“Here in Baton Rouge, we’re creating the national standard for excellence in cybersecurity,” said LSU Chancellor James Dalton. “We’re achieving this through every facet of our mission—teaching, research, and service to Louisiana. The LSU Cybersecurity Clinic is central to our cybersecurity efforts, and to our ability to protect and secure Louisiana and the nation.”

Dalton’s statement reflects LSU’s ambition to position itself as a leader in cybersecurity education and innovation. By leveraging the clinic’s model, the university aims to set a benchmark for how academic institutions can collaborate with tech giants and government bodies to safeguard critical infrastructure.

Key Takeaways: What This Means for Cybersecurity in Louisiana and Beyond

1. A Proactive Approach to Cybersecurity: Unlike reactive measures that focus on damage control after an attack, the LSU Cybersecurity Clinic is taking a proactive stance by identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

2. Bridging the Skills Gap: The clinic’s hands-on training model ensures that students graduate with practical experience, directly addressing the global cybersecurity workforce shortage, which currently stands at over 3.4 million unfilled roles worldwide.

3. Public-Private Partnerships: The collaboration between LSU and Google.org demonstrates how technology companies can invest in local communities while addressing broader cybersecurity challenges.

4. A Blueprint for Other States: Louisiana’s initiative could serve as a model for other regions facing similar cybersecurity risks, particularly in industries with aging infrastructure and limited cybersecurity resources.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cybersecurity Education and Infrastructure Protection

As cyber threats continue to evolve, so too must the strategies for defending against them. The LSU Cybersecurity Clinic’s expansion is a testament to the power of education-driven solutions in building resilient infrastructure. With Google.org’s support, the clinic is poised to not only strengthen Louisiana’s defenses but also inspire similar programs nationwide.

For organizations looking to enhance their cybersecurity posture, the clinic’s free evaluation services offer a valuable starting point. For students, this is an opportunity to gain real-world experience while contributing to the safety of their communities. And for policymakers, the model demonstrates how targeted investments in education and infrastructure can yield long-term security benefits.

In an age where digital resilience is non-negotiable, initiatives like LSU’s Cybersecurity Clinic prove that the future of cybersecurity lies at the intersection of innovation, collaboration, and community impact.

FAQ: Addressing Common Questions About the LSU Cybersecurity Clinic

1. What types of organizations can benefit from the clinic’s free services?

The clinic primarily serves small and medium-sized businesses, local governments, and critical infrastructure operators in Louisiana, including entities in energy, water treatment, healthcare, and manufacturing. Larger corporations may also participate if they lack dedicated in-house cybersecurity teams.

2. How can students get involved?

Students interested in participating should reach out to the LSU College of Engineering or the Center for Computation & Technology to inquire about open positions in the Cybersecurity Clinic. No prior cybersecurity experience is required, as training is provided on-site.

3. Is this the first time Google.org has funded a cybersecurity initiative?

While this is LSU’s first grant from Google.org, the tech giant has a history of supporting cybersecurity education and workforce development through its Google.org Digital Skills Initiative, which includes funding for programs aimed at closing the cybersecurity skills gap globally.

4. How does the clinic’s model differ from traditional cybersecurity consulting?

The clinic’s model is unique because it combines education with service. Traditional consulting firms charge for assessments and remediation, whereas the clinic offers these services for free while providing students with practical training. This dual approach ensures that communities receive expert help without financial barriers.

5. What sectors are most at risk in Louisiana, and how is the clinic addressing them?

Louisiana’s energy sector (oil and gas), water treatment facilities, and healthcare systems are among the most vulnerable to cyberattacks. The clinic is developing specialized resources for these sectors, including:

• Industrial control system (ICS) security assessments for oil rigs and refineries.
• Cyber hygiene workshops for water treatment plant operators.
• HIPAA-compliant security evaluations for healthcare providers.