The cybersecurity industry is grappling with a significant workforce shortage that surged nearly 10 percent in the past year, reveals a study by the nonprofit organization ISC2.
Some analysts within the industry lack the necessary skills, further exacerbating the shortage.
LSUS is actively addressing both challenges by engaging students from various degree programs to work in its on-campus Security Operations Center (SOC).
Student applications are currently open, with the hiring process slated to commence in March.
This initiative not only provides students with invaluable hands-on experience but also contributes to reducing costs in safeguarding the university’s network.
“Employers nowadays prioritize hands-on experience,” emphasizes Ched Wiggins, Lead of the Security Operations Center at LSUS. “While certifications and degrees are beneficial, having practical experience is crucial. What students gain here is invaluable experience in handling alerts, analyzing malware, and understanding attacker trends, equipping them with essential skills sought after in the industry.”
What’s a SOC?
The Security Operations Center oversees the monitoring and analysis of LSUS’s network traffic to detect and respond to cybersecurity threats.
Utilizing various hardware and software, the SOC aggregates and analyzes data from all university computers and devices, identifying abnormalities and potential cyberattacks.
Splunk, a robust big data platform, simplifies the management of massive volumes of machine-generated data, playing a pivotal role in the LSUS SOC.
James Jackson, Associate Director of IT Security at LSUS, explains, “We scrutinize data and patterns that could indicate issues, such as suspicious logins from different locations within a short timeframe. Incidents are then reviewed and addressed by analysts, either resolving them or escalating as necessary.”
LSUS established its SOC in collaboration with LSU A&M, each receiving $2.5 million from the Louisiana Legislature in 2022, investing in the state’s higher education cybersecurity future.
Due to the sensitive data and extensive network access, universities are prime targets for cyberattacks. LSUS’s SOC is already operational, with TekStream analysts providing expertise in identifying and mitigating cyberthreats.
A Day in the Life
Operating 24/7, a typical SOC continuously monitors and addresses incoming threats.
At LSUS, TekStream analysts currently oversee system protection remotely, with trained students gradually assuming these responsibilities as their schedules permit.
“Upon starting a shift, analysts review ongoing investigations and conduct system health checks,” states Ched Wiggins. “They triage alerts, determining their severity and whether further investigation is warranted. We have tiered analysts to handle incidents based on complexity, supported by predefined playbooks for swift resolution.”
The SOC’s proactive approach involves containment and analysis of potential threats, ensuring the integrity of the university’s network.
Not Just Computer Science
Contrary to common belief, cybersecurity welcomes diverse backgrounds, including psychology, education, law enforcement, and data analysis.
“Understanding cyberattacks often involves psychological aspects,” notes Wiggins. “Professionals from various fields bring unique perspectives and skills essential in combating cyber threats.”
Jackson adds, “Teachers, for instance, excel in detecting social engineering attempts, while law enforcement professionals are adept at following protocols. Data analysts’ skills in pattern recognition translate well into cybersecurity.”
LSUS encourages undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines to apply, recognizing the value of diverse skill sets in cybersecurity.
Prospective students can apply via Handshake, a platform linking students with campus employment opportunities, using their student email.