UGA CyberArch is a program that addresses the challenges of cybersecurity for Georgia’s communities and businesses. It is a collaboration between UGA’s academic and public service units, and provides a free cybersecurity risk review service for partner organizations, such as K-12 school districts, local governments, rural hospitals, and small businesses. The partner organizations remain confidential, adding another layer of security to the program.

The service is conducted by student interns, who work in teams of four to conduct a cybersecurity risk review through developed questions based on the CIS Security Controls, v8.0, Implementation Group 1 safeguards to combined with conducting an onsite visit.    The process culminates with the development of a final report with recommendations to improve the organizational security. The interns gain valuable hands-on experience and skills that may help them pursue a cybersecurity career.

UGA CyberArch was launched in the Fall of 2017 as a pilot project, and has since grown to involve multiple units, 30 interns and 2 graduate research assistants. The program is facilitated by the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government, which helps government leaders assess the risk to their communities and meet the legal obligations of the information age. UGA CyberArch collaborates with the UGA Archway Partnership, which connects communities with UGA resources and expertise, and the UGA Small Business Development Center, which helps small businesses grow and develop through one on one, confidential consulting.