LSU Builds Student-Powered Cybersecurity SOC | Cisco Live 2026

Why It Matters

The model lowers SOC costs for higher education, expands practical workforce development, and creates a scalable, public-private approach to strengthening campus cyber defenses across multiple institutions. Confidence: 90

Summary

Louisiana State University built a student-powered, public-private cybersecurity SOC by partnering with Tech Stream to combine 24/7 managed detection and response (MDR) with daytime, student-staffed operations. The hybrid model trains students on real incidents while Tech Stream provides overnight monitoring, escalation support, and reduced fees in exchange for student assistance. LSU designed the program to scale as a franchise; it now supports dozens of Louisiana institutions and has been adopted by other universities nationwide. The initiative was boosted by $7.5 million in recurring state funding and aims to create a pipeline of cybersecurity talent.

Original Description

At Cisco Live 2026, Craig Woolley joins Techstrong TV to break down how LSU is building a student-powered cybersecurity SOC.

Watch the full conversation for practical insight into how Cisco, AI, cloud, security, networking and enterprise IT are evolving.

In this Techstrong TV interview from Cisco Live 2026, Craig Woolley discusses how LSU is building a cybersecurity SOC model powered by students, training and real-world operations. The conversation explores what this means for IT leaders, security teams, infrastructure teams and organizations modernizing for AI-driven operations.

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