Incorporating Students into Your Cybersecurity Command Center
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, institutions of higher education are recognising the value of incorporating students into Security Operations Centers (SOCs). At Auburn University, the SOC Director, Jay James, has been spearheading this initiative over the past decade.
To effectively staff a SOC with students, several key elements must be considered.
Defining Clear Roles and Objectives
The first step involves clarifying the SOC functions that students will support. These could range from monitoring alerts, incident response, threat hunting, to compliance controls, depending on their skill levels and educational goals.
Leveraging Partnerships with Educational Institutions
Collaborating with universities and colleges is crucial. By tapping into cybersecurity programs, encouraging students to pursue careers in the field, and recruiting interns or co-op students directly for SOC roles, institutions can create a talent pipeline.
Providing Formal Training and Certifications
Incorporating courses on Security Operations and Incident Response within higher education curricula, encouraging industry-standard certifications, and facilitating participation in cybersecurity conferences and simulation exercises are essential for equipping students with the necessary skills.
Implementing Shift Rotations Mindful of Students’ Schedules
Adopting manageable shift lengths such as 8-hour rotations instead of typical 12-hour shifts not only maintains student engagement but also avoids burnout, ensuring 24/7 coverage where needed.
Establishing Documented SOC Processes and Procedures
Developing and providing students with comprehensive guidelines covering incident response workflows, alert prioritization, communication protocols, and post-incident reviews that conform to frameworks like NIST or ISO 27001 is vital for ensuring consistency and effectiveness.
Fostering Ongoing Mentorship and Skill Development
Pairing students with experienced SOC professionals for guidance, conducting continuous skills assessments, and encouraging knowledge sharing are key to building expertise over time.
Utilizing Automation to Augment Student Capabilities
Employing security tools with AI-driven automation can help students focus on critical alerts and enhance efficiency, rather than manually handling all data streams.
This approach creates a mutually beneficial environment where students gain hands-on SOC experience while the institution builds a skilled cybersecurity workforce. Programs that integrate classroom learning, real SOC duties, and professional development best position students to contribute effectively to security operations centers in higher education settings.
At Auburn University, this strategy has proven to be a win-win for both the students and the university. The SOC not only provides students with hands-on skills but also helps keep the campus more secure. Moreover, students are given the opportunity to work on projects of their choosing, which can be beneficial for their resumes.
James advises institutions to identify the purpose of the center, such as for compliance or threat detection, to prioritize resources effectively. He also suggests reaching out to student organizations, such as hacking clubs, women in business, and minorities in technology clubs, for recruitment.
Recruitment may require more time when first starting to work with students at a SOC, as was the case at Auburn. However, the benefits far outweigh the initial investment, as students become advocates for the program after experiencing its benefits firsthand.
Creating a SOC to respond to increasing attacks on schools and universities was one of the strategies Microsoft highlighted in its recent cyber threat intelligence brief "Cyber Signals". As the need for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, incorporating students into SOCs is becoming an increasingly popular and effective strategy.
- Students can play critical roles in Security Operations Centers (SOCs) of higher education, contributing to activities such as monitoring alerts, incident response, threat hunting, and compliance controls, depending on their skill levels and educational goals.
- Universities and colleges can play a significant role in this endeavor by collaborating with SOCs, offering cybersecurity programs, and recruiting interns or co-op students for SOC roles, creating a talent pipeline for the future workforce.
- To effectively integrate students into SOCs, offering formal training, courses on Security Operations, and industry-standard certifications, as well as adopting manageable shift lengths that fit their schedules, are essential for providing the necessary skills and fostering engagement.
