TekStream, a digital resilience company, announced partnerships with Auburn’s McCrary Institute, the University of Alabama, Rutgers, and Kennesaw State. The collaboration will launch three new student-powered security operations centers, strengthening cybersecurity protection across participating universities.
“We’re thrilled to add Auburn, University of Alabama, Rutgers and Kennesaw State to the growing list of higher ed institutions adopting our co-managed, student-powered SOC model,” said Rob Jansen, CEO of TekStream. “This expansion represents more than program growth; it underscores a broader shift in cybersecurity. The future of the industry depends on building sustainable talent pipelines while delivering measurable protection for the institutions training the next generation of leaders.”
Through the initiative, TekStream collaborates with Splunk, AWS, and university IT security teams to establish co-managed student-powered SOC environments.
These security operations centers deliver real-world protection while simultaneously developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Students gain practical cybersecurity experience by working in live environments using cloud-native infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and advanced security analytics. They support threat detection, incident response, and observability initiatives while learning essential SOC operations and enterprise cybersecurity processes.
Hands-On Cybersecurity Training Builds Future Talent
“When we worked with TekStream to develop the LONI SOC, the first in this program, we knew the cybersecurity industry needed change,” said Craig Woolley, CIO at Louisiana State University.“Not only do public institutions need a cybersecurity model that provides quality, affordable management in the face of rising complexity and increased threats, but students also need access to next-level training that gives them the hands-on experience they need to be successful in the industry right out of the gate. TekStream’s co-managed SOC model offers a solution that checks those boxes; it is an absolute win-win for this program.”
TekStream also guides students using its Pyramid of Pain methodology to build technical skills through structured and progressive learning levels. Graduates complete the program with documented experience comparable to a Level 2 security analyst in professional security operations centers.
“The experience that students gain through the program is truly invaluable,” said Sharon Kelley, CISO at New Jersey Institute of Technology. “It makes sense that more institutions are implementing the model, improving their own security posture while also providing students with the experience they need to succeed as professionals.”
Meanwhile, universities strengthen digital resilience by improving cybersecurity visibility, accelerating response times, and building scalable cybersecurity workforce development programs.
“Higher education faces increasing pressure to address the complexities of cybersecurity across cloud, identity and hybrid environments while operating under constrained budgets,” Jansen continued. “Through our continued partnership with leading universities, Splunk and AWS, we are helping institutions modernize, secure and optimize their digital environments to strengthen digital resilience and develop career-ready cybersecurity professionals.”
The universities now join a growing network of institutions advancing cybersecurity workforce development while strengthening digital resilience across higher education.
To explore how Security Operations Centers (SOC) play a crucial role in defending against modern cyber threats, read our latest SOC News.
Source: PRNewswire
