South Texas College to Launch Innovative Cybersecurity Clinic Aimed at Local Businesses
South Texas College (STC) is set to introduce a pioneering cybersecurity clinic, designed to extend its services beyond student involvement. This initiative underscores the institution’s commitment to address real-world security challenges faced by local enterprises.
A stark illustration of these challenges emerged earlier this year when Nerve, a coffee shop in the region, experienced a cyberattack. Danya Bernardino, a barista at Nerve, recounted the incident, which involved significant operational disruptions. “The system we were using had previously been compromised, leading to severe consequences for our management team,” Bernardino noted, detailing that staff were unable to clock in or access their accounts due to the breach.
Such incidents highlight the pervasive cybersecurity risks confronting small businesses. The forthcoming STC clinic is strategically positioned to assist establishments like Nerve. The clinic, a first for the Rio Grande Valley, is anticipated to involve fifteen selected students. According to Computer Science Assistant Professor Nicholas Hinojosa, the initiative enables students to apply their academic knowledge to practical scenarios, thus enriching their professional experience.
Funded by a $467,000 grant, the clinic will offer complimentary services to local businesses, non-profits, and retail boutiques. These services will encompass risk assessments, response planning, and cybersecurity awareness training. Furthermore, students will engage in technical activities, such as vulnerability testing and penetration tests.
As part of its preparation, STC is actively engaging with various businesses in the community. Despite currently being in the planning stages, the clinic is expected to officially launch in spring 2026, promising a significant boost to local cybersecurity preparedness.
Given the breadth of cybersecurity threats, understanding the tactics employed in such attacks is crucial. The previous incident at Nerve likely involved several MITRE ATT&CK tactics, including initial access through phishing or social engineering, persistence via malware installation, and potential privilege escalation resulting in unauthorized access to sensitive systems. As small businesses increasingly become targets for malicious actors, proactive measures and educational initiatives like the STC cybersecurity clinic emerge as essential components in fortifying defenses.
This endeavor not only serves to enhance student expertise but also aims to elevate the overall cybersecurity landscape within the Rio Grande Valley, benefiting both local businesses and the broader community.
