Mahmood Menon Khan
Mahmood Menon Khan

Dec 13, 2024
WUST Unveils Advanced SOC Lab, Boosting Hands-On Cybersecurity Education

WUST Unveils Advanced SOC Lab, Boosting Hands-On Cybersecurity Education

Washington University of Science and Technology (WUST) has taken a significant leap forward in cybersecurity education with the inauguration of its modern Security Operations Center (SOC) Lab. This well-equipped facility underscores WUST's commitment to providing students with immersive, practical learning experiences in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.

The lab’s launch was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by key WUST figures, including Chancellor and Chairman Engineer Abubokor Hanip, President Dr. Hasan K. Burk, and CFO Farhana Hanip. Distinguished Bangladeshi-American tech leaders Dr. Faisal Quader and Shaheda Abdin were honored guests, alongside various university department heads and school leaders.

Highlighting the lab's capabilities, attendees witnessed a live ethical hacking demonstration. A student, trained in the new facility, successfully accessed a designated lab computer and remotely created a folder on a compromised server, showcasing the practical skills students can acquire.
The SOC Lab is equipped with thirty computers loaded with essential cybersecurity software and tools, providing an optimal environment for hands-on learning and skill development.

This launch not only showcased WUST's technological advancements but also reaffirmed its dedication to forward-thinking education in cybersecurity. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, WUST is positioning itself at the prominent role of preparing students for successful careers in the dynamic field of cybersecurity.

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, guests assembled in the university auditorium, where Engineer Abubokor Hanip emphasized the lab's alignment with WUST's triple mission of "Degree, Skills, and Career. "This setup aligns perfectly with WUST's mission to blend academic knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for the competitive IT job market," he said.

Dr. Faisal Quader, president of esteemed IT Company TechNuf and adjunct professor at the University of Maryland, lauded WUST's contributions to advanced IT education, hailing the SOC Lab as a key accomplishment. "Nothing is better than applying cybersecurity theoretical knowledge in a lab environment, getting your hands dirty, and learning by doing. This SOC Lab is going to be that place," he remarked. Dr. Quader emphasized the importance of practical experience in cybersecurity education and pledged his full support to ensure the lab's success. His endorsement underscores the significance of WUST's initiative in bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world application in the cybersecurity field.

Shaheda Abdin, president of American Association of Bangladeshi Engineers and Architects-AaBea echoed these sentiments, praising the university’s technological advancements and expressing hope that WUST graduates will make notable contributions to the American tech industry.
President Dr. Hasan K. Burk commended the team behind the SOC Lab, stating, “This vision has been years in the making, and today, it has become a reality.” He further emphasized, “This lab will equip our students with the skills, tools, and industry-specific terminology that employers seek.”

CFO Farhana Hanip expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the guests and shared her optimism that WUST graduates will secure positions at major tech firms technology firms, including those led by Bangladeshi-American entrepreneurs. She also assured that the university plans to establish additional labs in the future to further enhance student learning opportunities.

Highlighting the global importance of cybersecurity, Professor Apostolos Eliopoulos, Director of the School of IT, described it as “an equal crisis to climate change,” reaffirming WUST’s dedication to providing students with practical learning experiences to ensure their success.
Dr. Necmi Mutlu, lead faculty of the School of IT and chief advisor for the SOC Lab, detailed the lab's technical development, emphasizing the creation of structured guides to enable students to systematically master cybersecurity concepts.

Adjunct faculty members Professor Mark O'Connell and Dr. Cullen Bass also shared their insights during the event, which was moderated by WUST Chief of Staff Ms. Rachele Rose and SOC Lab Coordinator Mahmood Menon Khan.