ST. Bonaventure university cyber operations center project aims to transform an existing classroom into a fully functional SOC, that will allow graduate and undergraduate students to obtain real world…

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded a $450,000 Congressionally-Identified Projects (CFDA 11.617) grant to St. Bonaventure University to establish a Cyber Operations Center. The project aims to transform an existing classroom into a fully functional Security Operations Center (SOC) that will provide graduate and undergraduate students with hands-on experience in cybersecurity threat prevention, detection, and response. The funding will cover advanced cybersecurity display technology, high-end computing workstations, cybersecurity instrumentation, correlation and detection analytics hardware/software, a secure computing environment, network infrastructure, and forensic tools. The virtual environment will simulate real-world cyber threats, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. The project is expected to directly impact 50-100 computer science and cybersecurity students annually, with additional outreach to the local college-going population. The project period is from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.

Activities

The cyber operations center will be serviced by a secure virtual environment housing a siem and other required software to facilitate near real-time and historical data visualization and analysis. Students will gain practical experience with industry-standard SOC tools and practices. The cyber operations center will transform the way that SBU addresses cyber threats, provide resources to the community, and equip students for future success in the field. Funding will cover advanced cybersecurity display technology, high-end computing workstations, cybersecurity instrumentation, correlation, and detection analytics hardware/software, a secure computing environment, network infrastructure, and forensic tools. ST. Bonaventure university will be implementing the following infrastructure and tools to be installed and maintained by experienced cybersecurity faculty working closely with the university technology services department: virtual environment to house data collection, analysis, and alerting software. AI/ML dedicated server for students to learn and test practical cybersecurity applications for sifting voluminous data. Instrumentation of the SBU networks, computers, and servers to collect the telemetry required to closely monitor the security of the university establishment of two-factor authenticated VPN access for students, professors, and staff not on campus. Migration and expansion of sbus 24-hour pen-testing networks and virtual systems for education and testing of offensive cybersecurity tools and techniques. Penetration testing tools for testing, adversary capability demonstrations, and teaching physical penetration testing techniques. Virtually segregated labs for testing malware and educating local businesses on detection, prevention, and response techniques and strategies. Physically secured SOC classroom renovation that includes multiple displays for data viewing and group analysis, work centers for teams, and teaching displays. Forensic tools for data acquisition and duplication.

Expected outcomes

The virtual environment will simulate real-world cyber threats, giving students the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Secured remote access will be available to grant student population access so that their knowledge and skills can be practically sharpened. An expected skill, for any cybersecurity professional, is the capability to work remotely productively. The enhanced curriculum will contribute to the broader field of cybersecurity by practically training the next generation of professionals.

Intended beneficiaries

50,100 CS and cybersecurity students will be directly impacted annually with additional students engaged through non major cybersecurity studies. Through community outreach and awareness, we also expect interest in the field to increase among the local college going population.

Subrecipient activities

There are no planned subawards.