When the U.S. took decisive action to reduce the threat posed by Iran, one possible avenue for retaliation was a cyberattack. In today’s digital world, our increasing dependence on connected infrastructure — spanning energy, healthcare, finance, education, and government — has exposed critical sectors of the economy to cyber threats. Yet while the risks have grown, our workforce readiness has not kept pace. A novel solution has emerged from Massachusetts, where one organization is closing the talent gap and protecting vulnerable institutions in tandem: CyberTrust Massachusetts.

At its core, CyberTrust Massachusetts is a bold experiment in reimagining cybersecurity not just as a technical discipline, but as a public good and a workforce opportunity. This nonprofit coalition links government, business, and higher education to simultaneously enhance local cyber defenses and develop the next generation of cyber professionals.

CyberTrust Massachusetts has built an ecosystem unlike any other. Rather than relying on elite universities as the traditional pipelines into cybersecurity careers, it partners with a dozen regional institutions — including community colleges and underrepresented universities — to strengthen their cyber programs and create new entry points into the field. These schools include Lasell University, Salem State University, Springfield Technical Community College, UMass Boston, Bridgewater State University, Springfield Technical Community College, Mass Bay Community College, Franklin-Cummings Institute of Technology, and Per Scholas.

This collaboration helps shape curriculum, build hands-on training opportunities, and provide direct pathways to employment. Many of the students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds — over half are Pell-eligible, and a significant proportion are women, Hispanic, or Black students. Half are adult learners or career changers. These are precisely the communities historically excluded from fast-growing, high-paying tech sectors.

Internships are a key feature of this effort. CyberTrust’s internship model is not symbolic — it’s operational. Students are embedded in real-world security operations centers (SOCs) where they learn to work with advanced security tools, conduct threat assessments, build detection models using Python, and contribute to live monitoring services for real clients. The result is a training model that goes beyond simulations to cultivate professionals who are truly “career ready” by graduation.

In tandem with training the next generation of cyber workers, CyberTrust also delivers essential cybersecurity services to those least able to afford them. The organization runs a statewide network of Security Operations Centers that provide monitoring, advisory, and response services to cities, towns, schools, small businesses, and nonprofits — many of which would be otherwise defenseless against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

These SOCs function as critical infrastructure for the digital age. They close defense gaps at the local level, especially in underserved communities, and create a “cyber shield” around entities that are foundational to civic life but often lack dedicated IT security staff. For example, by deploying managed endpoint detection and providing 24/7 incident response, CyberTrust ensures these groups can function safely in a digital-first world.

At the same time, these centers serve as living classrooms. Interns work shoulder to shoulder with seasoned analysts, developing real-world skills in an environment that mirrors the complexity and urgency of top-tier employers.

What sets CyberTrust apart is its architecture: a deliberate integration of service, workforce development, and equity. Anchored in community colleges and state universities, the program creates on-ramps for students who might otherwise be overlooked in traditional hiring funnels. The goal is not just to diversify the workforce but to democratize access to one of the fastest-growing career fields in the country.

Furthermore, CyberTrust leverages a state-of-the-art cyber range— a platform that supports skill development, team-based competitions, and crisis simulations for business and government leaders. This infrastructure allows students, professionals, and executives alike to engage with cyber risks in a controlled but immersive environment.

Its innovation is matched by scale. With more than 700 students engaged, 18 current interns, and 14 alumni (several already employed in cyber-related jobs), CyberTrust is building a model that can be replicated in other states. Its reach is further amplified by partnerships with major companies such as Cisco, Rapid7, MITRE, WEI and Wolf & Co,  who participate as members of its Corporate Consortium, offering input, internships, and job opportunities.

In a world where digital threats multiply faster than traditional talent pipelines can supply, CyberTrust Massachusetts offers a proven, inclusive, and replicable model. It is a cybersecurity initiative built not just to defend but to uplift — serving small towns and small businesses while opening doors to students and career changers alike.

As geopolitical tensions and cyber vulnerabilities continue to rise, investments like CyberTrust are not just wise — they are essential. By uniting education, industry, and government, Massachusetts is showing the rest of the country how to protect critical systems while preparing a workforce ready to meet the moment.

For more information, visit CyberTrustMass.org or explore their LinkedIn page.

Ed Gaskin is Executive Director of Greater Grove Hall Main Streets and founder of Sunday Celebrations. Peter Sherlock is President/CEO of CyberTrust Massachusetts