Louisiana State University Doubles Down on Larger Student-Run SOC

In an effort to provide students with increased access to real-world cybersecurity experience, Louisiana State University has expanded its relationship with cybersecurity solutions provider TekStream to launch TigerSOC, a new student-run security operations center. The new, larger SOC is modeled on the university's existing state-funded, student-run SOC, created in partnership with TekStream, Splunk, and AWS in 2023, which serves 38 higher education institutions in Louisiana.

"With the launch of TigerSOC, Louisiana is home to two world-class student-run SOCs serving the state's universities and commercial customers across the nation," a news announcement noted.

Built on TekStream's co-managed security monitoring services, TigerSOC will provide organizations with access to 24/7 security coverage while helping students develop hands-on cybersecurity skills. TekStream will provide students with training, oversight, and career counseling, as well as cover hours when students are unavailable to run the SOC. Participating students will be able to gain up to 1,000 hours of frontline cybersecurity experience in one year, acquiring skills equivalent to those of a mid-level cyber engineer before graduation, according to the announcement.

"Students are the future of our workforce," said LSU CIO Craig Woolley, in a statement. "TigerSOC provides our students with a unique opportunity to gain invaluable cybersecurity skills that give them the head-start they need in today's competitive job market. We're excited TigerSOC is not only paving the way for LSU graduates to be successful, but we also hope it sets a new industry standard for the level of hands-on education undergraduate students can receive on their path to long-term career success."

"The cybersecurity industry is at a unique crossroads," TekStream CEO Rob Jansen said. "There is a significant need for upskilling and developing new talent across the workforce. Meanwhile, the global economy is forcing many to tighten their budgets. Nearly 60% of current industry practitioners fear existing skill shortages put their organizations at risk. TigerSOC offers public and private entities an opportunity to invest in affordable, domestic talent while building the future of the workforce."

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • data professionals in a meeting

    Data Fluency as a Strategic Imperative

    As an institution's highest level of data capabilities, data fluency taps into the agency of technical experts who work together with top-level institutional leadership on issues of strategic importance.

  •  floating digital interface with glowing icons, surrounded by faint geometric shapes

    Digital Education Council Defines 5 Dimensions of AI Literacy

    A recent report from the Digital Education Council, a global community devoted to "revolutionizing the world of education and work through technology and collaboration," provides an AI literacy framework to help higher education institutions equip their constituents with foundational AI competencies.

  • illustration of a football stadium with helmet on the left and laptop with ed tech icons on the right

    The 2025 NFL Draft and Ed Tech Selection: A Strategic Parallel

    In the fast-evolving landscape of collegiate football, the NFL, and higher education, one might not immediately draw connections between the 2025 NFL Draft and the selection of proper educational technology for a college campus. However, upon closer examination, both processes share striking similarities: a rigorous assessment of needs, long-term strategic impact, talent or tool evaluation, financial considerations, and adaptability to a dynamic future.

  • cloud and circuit patterns with AI stamp

    Cloud Management Startup Launches Infrastructure Intelligence Tool

    A new AI-powered infrastructure intelligence tool from cloud management startup env0 aims to turn the fog of sprawling, enterprise-scale deployments into crisp, queryable insight, minus the spreadsheets, scripts, and late-night Slack threads.