Student-Led Cybersecurity: Bridging Talent Gaps with AI at Auburn University

In this episode of the Campus Technology Insider Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Rhea Kelly speaks with Jay James, senior cybersecurity operations lead at Auburn University, and Corey Lee, CTO for Security at Microsoft. They discuss the critical shortage of cybersecurity talent in higher education and explore how Auburn University's Security Operations Center (SOC) is utilizing student workers to bridge this gap. The conversation dives into the unique setup of their SOC, the impact of AI tools like Security Copilot, and the benefits of recruiting students from diverse academic backgrounds. Highlights include the operational and educational advantages of involving students in cybersecurity, and strategies for other institutions looking to implement similar programs. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:40 The Cybersecurity Talent Shortage in Higher Education 02:54 Auburn's Security Operations Center and Student Involvement 07:22 The Role of AI in Cybersecurity Training 19:53 Student Recruitment and Success Stories 30:28 Advice for Institutions Starting a Student SOC 34:14 Conclusion and Podcast Sign-off Resource links: Auburn University Microsoft Security Copilot Music: Mixkit Duration: 35 minutes Transcript