Cyber Volunteer Resource Center
Cyber volunteer programs play a critical role in upskilling the cyber workforce and supporting the cyber resilience of under-resourced high-risk communities.
Across the United States, academic institutions, non-profits, and state governments are setting up cybersecurity clinics and volunteer corps to provide under-resourced high-risk communities, such as civil society organizations, with access to free, hands-on support for incident response and resilience building. These programs also provide volunteers with valuable opportunities to gain cybersecurity skills and experience. Check out the FAQs below to learn more about cyber volunteer programs.
Find Help or Volunteer!
Are you a high-risk community, such as a civil society organization, that needs help improving your cybersecurity? Or are you a volunteer interested in supporting your local program? Select a region below to learn about cyber volunteer programs in your area!
Cyber Volunteer Programs by Region
While some cyber volunteer programs are virtual, with volunteer opportunities and services accessible to under-resourced high-risk communities across the United States, other programs are local, or state based. Select your region to see what programs are active in your region.
Cyber Volunteer Programs (Region 1)
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Cyber Volunteer Programs (Region 2)
New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
Cyber Volunteer Programs (Region 3)
Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Cyber Volunteer Programs (Region 4)
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Cyber Volunteer Programs (Region 5)
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Cyber Volunteer Programs (Region 6)
Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Cyber Volunteer Programs (Region 7)
Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.
Cyber Volunteer Programs (Region 8)
Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
Cyber Volunteer Programs (Region 9)
Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Guam, American Samoa, and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Cyber Volunteer Programs (Region 10)
Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Request for Inclusion
If a cyber volunteer program isn’t featured on this page, you can submit your request for inclusion to cisa.jcdc@cisa.dhs.gov.
FAQs
- What Is a “cyber volunteer” program?
A cyber volunteer program enlists the expertise and services of unpaid volunteers or student interns to provide cybersecurity services to under-resourced high-risk communities, such as civil society organizations, for free or at a greatly discounted cost.
- How do I volunteer or request cybersecurity support from one of the organizations listed on this webpage?
This webpage serves as a catalog of information on how to volunteer at a given cyber volunteer program or how to receive support. This page will provide you with links to the program’s website, applications, and other contact information (when available). Coordination of volunteer applications and requests for support will be handled by each respective organization through their own intake process.
- Why is CISA highlighting cyber volunteer programs?
A shortage of cybersecurity experts among “target-rich, cyber-poor” high-risk communities, such as civil society organizations, increases the risk of disruption of vital services and/or the disclosure of sensitive information.
Cyber volunteer programs help to fill these gaps in cybersecurity support for vulnerable organizations. At the same time, volunteer programs are also diversifying and building up the cyber workforce by providing opportunities for volunteers to improve their skills and gain experience.
However, most cyber volunteer programs are still in their beginning stages, which can make it hard to find information about opportunities to volunteer or obtain assistance. CISA created this page to centralize information about cyber volunteer programs to make it easier for prospective volunteers to get involved and for organizations in need to request assistance.
Note: CISA does not endorse any organization featured on linked pages. Organizations are listed for informational purposes only.