Ann Cleaveland
The Cyber Resilience Corps is mobilizing a nationwide force of cyber volunteers to defend the organizations that power our communities—nonprofits, rural hospitals, schools, municipalities, and small businesses.
Led by UC Berkeley’s Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity and the CyberPeace Institute, this initiative unites and strengthens volunteer efforts to deliver real, hands-on cybersecurity support where it’s needed most.
By standing together against evolving cyber threats, we’re building a resilient digital future—one where critical services remain secure and communities thrive. Join us in turning cyber defense into a movement for lasting impact.
Community volunteers can protect our most under-resourced organizations
Community Organizations Face Growing Cyber Threats
Nonprofits, schools, rural hospitals, and small businesses are increasingly targeted by phishing, ransomware, and data breaches. Lacking affordable cybersecurity solutions, many don’t know where to start—making volunteer support essential.
Cyber Volunteers Strengthen Community Resilience
Cyber volunteers play a vital role in defending at-risk organizations by providing expert support through university cyber clinics, nonprofits, and government programs. Their trusted relationships and specialized skills help strengthen community cyber defenses.
Expanding on CISA’s Volunteer Resource Center, we combine active collaboration, shared intelligence, and a structure for building out new shared resources, including an online cyber volunteering coordination platform and “roadmap” for sustainable community cyber defense.
Key elements in 2025 include:
Stakeholder Engagement to Build the Cyber Defense Ecosystem:
- Throughout the year, we are hosting meetings and workshops with cyber volunteer networks, experts, and community leaders. We purposely include cyber-defense tool makers and providers, helplines, policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and coordinating bodies to ensure a diversity of perspectives and depth of understanding as we
- establish and share best practices
- address service gaps
- strengthen nationwide collaboration
Build a Community Cyber Defense Roadmap
- The Roadmap will create a pathway for the long-term, systematic cyber defense of under-resourced organizations in the United States. WE will outline accessible and affordable cybersecurity solutions for community organizations like nonprofits, rural hospitals and water districts, K-12 schools, municipalities, and small businesses.
Online shared resource development:
- We will develop and bring online a public website to track cyber incidents, responses, and volunteer efforts in real time—showing the impact of cyber volunteers.
- A platform to help volunteer groups work together more easily, share resources, and coordinate responses.
Cyber Resilience Corps Program Goals:
Connected & Supported Cyber Volunteers
Major cyber volunteer networks and allies actively share best practices, fill service gaps, and participate in robust nationwide collaboration.
Streamlined
Community Defense
Community organizations can more easily access tailored cybersecurity support from volunteers.
Expanded
Local Impact
Partnerships to grow and strengthen cyber volunteer pools in high-need regions.
Our Team:
Project Leadership
- Co-Chair: Ann Cleaveland and Sarah Powazek, UC Berkeley Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity
- Co-Chair: Adrien Ogee and Jessica Walton, CyberPeace Institute
Project Allies
- Advisory support from CISA JCDC
- The Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics
- The CyberPeace Builders
- NGO-ISAC
- Michael Razeeq (fmr. New America)
- Project Franklin
- Ray Davidson (fmr. Michigan Cyber Corps)
- UnDisruptable27
Our thanks to Craig Newmark Philanthropies for foundational support. Contact cltc@berkeley.edu to inquire about additional funding opportunities for the Cyber Resilience Corps, including sponsorship of upcoming convenings and published tools.
