Gaucho Security Operations Center

The Gaucho Security Operations Center (GSOC) is a unique, nationally recognized cybersecurity program that provides an opportunity for students to serve a paid internship at the end of their associate’s degree program, giving them up to 300 hours of experience in a live security operations center upon graduation. This is the only program of its kind in the district and the state of Arizona. GSOC provides cybersecurity as a service to rural municipalities that fall at or below the cybersecurity poverty line. These governmental entities, such as small towns and school districts, require continuous cybersecurity monitoring but do not have the resources to supply it. GSOC is added as a supplemental resource to monitor, detect, and inform clients regarding potential cybersecurity threats or vulnerabilities on their networks. This program was developed and implemented to address the gap between academia and the workplace. GSOC provides essential services to the community and the experience students need to meet industry requirements.

Innovator

• Rachelle Hall, Faculty Chair and Director, Cybersecurity