NJIT partners with TekStream on student-run security operations center to address cybersecurity skills gap
The New Jersey Institute of Technology is working with TekStream to launch a student-staffed SOC, aiming to build talent while managing its cybersecurity in-house.
TekStream has partnered with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) to launch a student-run security operations center (SOC) on campus, designed to provide real-time cybersecurity support while also serving as a training ground for future professionals.
The collaboration integrates Splunk’s enterprise security platform and supports NJIT’s broader objective to strengthen workforce development through experiential learning.
Headquartered in Atlanta, TekStream specializes in digital transformation and enterprise IT solutions. NJIT is a public polytechnic university with more than 13,000 students and 2,000 faculty and staff.
Training model balances education and live security support
With the cybersecurity industry reporting a global shortfall of 3.4 million workers, NJIT is adopting a hybrid approach, bringing its SOC in-house to reduce costs while outsourcing technical oversight to TekStream. The company provides training for student analysts and assumes liability for protecting the institution’s network, helping to mitigate the challenges of round-the-clock staffing using learners alone.
Sharon Kelley, executive director of information security and CISO at NJIT, says: “When do you ever come across a company that says, ‘you hire your students, we’ll train them and also take on the liability of protecting you.’ Cybersecurity is a highly competitive, fast-paced industry.
“For TekStream to work with us on this dual-purpose solution, serving the needs of enterprises shoring up their cybersecurity systems while also training a new class of industry professionals is a brilliant way to tackle the growing need for skilled cybersecurity talent.”
Second deployment of TekStream’s SOC model
The NJIT deployment is TekStream’s second such initiative, following a similar model previously launched with Louisiana State University, Splunk, and AWS. The approach offers practical experience for students while helping institutions shift from reactive to proactive security strategies.
Bruce Johnson, senior director of enterprise security at TekStream, says: “Our work with NJIT is a really special, unique opportunity to help students start developing their cybersecurity career before they even graduate. Personally, it’s been particularly rewarding to watch students flourish through their work in the SOC.
“Professionally, this partnership opens another door for industry workforce growth in a replicable and scalable way. We look forward to building more partnerships like those with NJIT to continue expanding the cybersecurity industry’s talent and capabilities to withstand future incidents.”
Judd Robins, executive vice president at TekStream, adds:
“The cybersecurity industry doesn’t have enough people to fill existing job openings, and as it stands, there’s not enough new talent entering the workforce to keep up. Our partnership with NJIT is one small but critical step towards bridging the divide and establishing long-term programming that benefits both students and the future of the cybersecurity workforce.”
