On November 27, Metro State was honored to host Congresswoman Betty McCollum, along with many state legislators and Department of Defense personnel, at the Metro State University's upcoming Security Operations Center (SOC). This visit marked the final stop of Congresswoman McCollum's inspiring day-long tour showcasing how Minnesota businesses, academic institutions, and other partners are rising to meet critical security challenges in innovative and impactful ways.
The SOC builds on the success of Metro State's cybersecurity clinic, which has been providing free risk assessment services to local organizations. With the SOC’s launch, Metro State intends to extend its cybersecurity support by offering low-cost cybersecurity monitoring services to K-12 schools, underserved counties and cities, nonprofits, and small businesses. This initiative is a testament to the university's commitment to bridging the gap in cybersecurity services for vulnerable communities while preparing the next generation of cyber professionals.
The joint venture between Metro State University and the Neighborhood Development Center will be a student-run, professionally supervised SOC, creating a unique win-win opportunity. It will help protect the vulnerable community from evolving cyber threats while producing a highly capable and skilled cybersecurity workforce to meet the growing demands of the industry.
Metro State thanks Congresswoman McCollum for recognizing the importance of this effort and for her continued leadership in championing security and innovation in Minnesota. The university also extends its gratitude to state legislators who joined this tour and whose future support will be vital in sustaining this critical work for the Twin Cities community. Together, Metro State and its partners empower our communities to safeguard their futures, developing a capable workforce, and advancing the cybersecurity landscape for the state of Minnesota and the nation as a whole.