Lately, each day seems to bring new security challenges. According to Check Point’s cybersecurity report, Q3 of 2024 saw a staggering 75% increase in cyberattacks compared to the same period in 2023. Organizations in education and research were hit hardest, facing over 3,800 attacks weekly.

To combat these threats, the Cyber Resilience Corps initiative is stepping up. Spearheaded by the University of California, Berkeley’s Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity and the CyberPeace Institute, this program connects cybersecurity professionals with at-risk organizations like schools, nonprofits, and small businesses.

What is the Cyber Resilience Corps?

This initiative addresses the global shortage of nearly 4 million cybersecurity professionals, as highlighted by the World Economic Forum. It aims to:

Provide free cybersecurity support to under-resourced organizations.
Aggregate real-time data on cyber incidents and volunteer efforts.
Offer tools for resource-sharing and collaboration.
Host workshops featuring cybersecurity experts.

The project has already enlisted thousands of volunteers and plans to launch a “cyber volunteer platform” in 2025 to streamline efforts and expand reach.

Who Benefits?

Organizations like rural hospitals, water districts, municipalities, and schools—often targeted by phishing, ransomware, and data breaches—stand to gain significantly. These groups often lack affordable, accessible cybersecurity solutions, leaving them vulnerable to attack.

How Can You Get Involved?

If you’re interested in:

Receiving Support: Organizations can register to get cybersecurity assistance.
Volunteering: Cybersecurity professionals can join the initiative to offer their expertise.

To get started, you can register via email with the Cyber Resilience Corps.