SHREVEPORT – Sitting in the LSUS Security Operations Center, student Kristen Cochran noticed suspicious activity from areas known for cybersecurity threats, places like China and Russia.
Cochran took note of internet protocol addresses with poor reputations that were attempting connections without generating alerts.
Cochran’s attention to detail led the SOC, which is staffed by LSUS students with the backup of third-party TekStream Solutions, to modify its security settings to block such activity.
It’s just one example of how LSUS’s SOC, which protects the university’s networks, is progressing less than a year into its launch with student cybersecurity analysts.
Cochran was engaging in threat hunting, a proactive cybersecurity process that involves searching for unknown or advanced cyber threats in an organization’s network.
“That’s an indicator of a little bit more of a sophisticated security program than a program that doesn’t have cybersecurity tools or one in which tools aren’t configured properly,” said Ched Wiggins, Security Operations Center Lead at LSUS who is responsible for training students. “We’ve been very pleased with our student analysts.
“The students have leaned into their training and the day-to-day response to cybersecurity alerts, and we’re branching out into other activities.”
LSUS students staff the SOC, protecting the university’s network during business hours while TekStream keeps watch during off hours and holidays.
Two students, including Cochran, started this past April with four additional students joining the operation in October.
While most of the student analysts are studying computer science, Cochran is pursuing a specialist in school psychology degree.
“It’s a lot of knowledge that I needed to acquire,” said Cochran, who described herself as a basic computer user before this experience. “Security has always been somewhat of a component of my work history, and I’m really passionate about advocating for change in the system and the state involving the protection of our children’s information.
“The experience I’m gaining in the SOC will help me tremendously to advocate for things being done in a proper way because I have a more thorough understanding and application of this.”
The majority of SOC students express interest in continuing a career in cybersecurity.
Keya Calahan, a computer science undergraduate with a cybersecurity concentration, is interested in pursuing a career in governance and regulatory compliance, which audits cybersecurity practices.
“The whole experience has been great, and it’s pushed my mind into a place where you want to learn all the time,” Calahan said. “Being able to study for certifications as part of the job has been a great benefit.”
In addition to being trained by TekStream on how to identify and respond to system alerts, students prepare for industry certifications that make them valuable candidates for future SOC roles.
The majority of the student analysts possess CompTIA Security+ certification, a widely accepted credential that demonstrates entry-level core skills for a cybersecurity career.
“This is a wonderful opportunity because students are getting great knowledge out of their experience in the LSUS SOC,” said Dr. Richard Watson, chair of the computer science department. “We’re told by industry that there aren’t entry-level SOC positions – they are looking for people with experience.
“We wanted this SOC to provide cybersecurity experience that our students otherwise couldn’t get. It’s just like doing an internship with a company, except it’s run through a university. It’s probably better than most opportunities because you’re actually being an analyst.”
It’s also experience that is incredibly difficult to come by. Watson said Tier I SOC analyst positions are rare.
Wiggins added that cybersecurity candidates with previous experience, certification, and a college degree will stand out in the workforce.
“Just from what recruiters and hiring managers have said the last two years, they are really thirsty for people with hands-on experience,” Wiggins said. “So much so that a candidate with previous experience but no certification or degree may have the upper hand.
“But having all three of these things makes you the ideal candidate, and that’s the path our SOC students are on.”
Graduate student Haley Stinebrickner, who is part of the master’s of computer systems technology program, said she hadn’t seriously considered cybersecurity before applying for this position.
“I have a math and computer science background, but I’ve never really stepped into cyber before,” Stinebrickner said. “I’ve always been interested in it, and I felt like I’ve learned a ton.
“There’s so many more avenues that have opened up to me because of this experience.”
The six SOC student analysts work a flexible schedule, between 10-20 hours per week.
The LSUS SOC’s current capacity is six students, but expansion opportunities could be considered in the future.
“We’d love to have corporations, public entities or federal grants support additional seats in our SOC,” Watson said. “We have far more students who want SOC positions than we have seats, and there’s demand for trained cybersecurity analysts.”
