UAlbany Launches Cybersecurity Clinic for Local Businesses with Support from Spencer Educational Foundation

CEHC's Ariel Pinto meets with students while sitting next to a large screen and laptop.

CEHC's Ariel Pinto meets with students inside the Cyber Cascade Risk lab. (Photo by Brian Busher)

ALBANY, N.Y. (Feb. 24, 2026) — With the risk of cyber threats on the rise, the University at Albany is offering a new lifeline to help Capital Region businesses fight back.

UAlbany’s Department of Cybersecurity in the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (CEHC) is launching a cybersecurity clinic this spring that will pair students with local organizations.

Under the guidance of faculty experts, the UAlbany CYBR Clinic will bring together students to help local small businesses, nonprofits, local governments and community organizations at no cost to strengthen their cybersecurity. Student teams will work directly with the participating organizations to evaluate cyber risks, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend cost-effective steps to improve their digital defenses.

The clinic’s launch is supported by a $15,000 general grant from the Spencer Educational Foundation, a nonprofit focused on funding the education of tomorrow’s risk management and insurance leaders. Since its establishment in 1979, the foundation has been helping students succeed by providing scholarships, grants and internships to talented individuals pursuing careers in these fields.

Globally, there are approximately 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs—including an estimated 750,000 in the United States—according to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 32% increase in cybersecurity jobs by 2032.

“As cyberattacks become more frequent and sophisticated, many small businesses lack the tools needed to defend themselves,” said Ariel Pinto, professor and chair of UAlbany’s Department of Cybersecurity. “The CYBR Clinic will help bridge that gap, strengthening the cybersecurity of organizations and businesses across the region, while at the same time providing our students with hands-on, real-world experience to help prepare them for future careers.”

“Dr. Pinto is a longstanding partner of our foundation, and we are very pleased to support UAlbany’s focus on experiential learning for future risk management and insurance talent,” said Ken Goldstein, University Partnerships Director at Spencer.

Boosting Albany’s Cybersecurity

In its inaugural semester, CEHC is recruiting students to help establish the UAlbany CYBR Clinic and develop outreach materials for community businesses. Later this spring, the clinic will conduct its first client consultations using the tools and resources the students create.

In addition to client consultations, the clinic will host workshops, outreach events and other programs designed to raise awareness of cyber risk management and introduce students and community members to cybersecurity career pathways.

Participation in the clinic is open to both undergraduate and graduate cybersecurity students.

“We plan to target a wide range of community members, spanning from small, local businesses to larger organizations. This includes hospitals, medical offices, local coffee shops, start-ups, non-chain retailers and many other organizations that may lack in-house cybersecurity teams,” said George Berg, associate professor and director of the UAlbany CYBR Clinic. “This is a unique opportunity for students to make a meaningful contribution to our region.”

Next Generation Cyber Leaders

Since 2023, CEHC has offered a standalone undergraduate program in cybersecurity. Through coursework, research and experiential learning opportunities, students gain the skills to serve as the first line of defense in protecting an organization’s data, devices, computers and networks.

Last year, CEHC unveiled a revamped undergraduate curriculum designed to address the evolving cybersecurity landscape, including the rise of AI-powered threats. At the graduate level, the college offers a master’s program in cybersecurity and risk, with concentrations in risk management and compliance, and health information privacy.

Organizations interested in partnering with the UAlbany CYBR Clinic are encouraged to fill out an information form.

To learn more about the Spencer Educational Foundation and its programs, please visit www.spencered.org.