AU earns prestigious 2025 CSO50 Award for excellence in cybersecurity

Augusta University was recently recognized with the 2025 CSO50 Award, which recognizes organizations for outstanding innovation and leadership in cybersecurity.

Presented by Computer Security Online, a division of Foundry, an IDG Inc. company, the award celebrates 50 projects annually that deliver exceptional business value through creative, effective security strategies. Augusta University, one of only three universities to earn the distinction, also earned the distinction in 2023. This year, AU appears alongside companies like Aflac, Intel Corporation, Mastercard, Principal Financial Group and TIAA.

“Augusta University is one of only three universities in the nation to receive the CSO50 Award for Excellence in Cybersecurity. This recognition is a powerful testament to the relentless mindset of our IT and Cyber Defense teams who are committed to safeguarding Augusta University, our region and the state of Georgia,” said Augusta University President Russell T. Keen. “Our Security Operations Center is both a vital protective resource and a hub of collaboration where students, faculty and industry partners within the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center come together to share knowledge, strengthen defenses and prepare the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.”

Home to the Security Operations Center located in the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, AU was honored for the project, “Born from Necessity: A Unique Approach to Solving Resource Challenges.” Faced with post-COVID budget constraints and staffing shortages, the team reimagined support for the SOC, which serves both Augusta University and Wellstar MCG Health. Their innovative solution resulted in a 300% increase in SOC resources.

“This project was born out of necessity to protect Augusta University from cyber threats,” said Michael Casdorph, EdD, vice president for Information Technology and Enterprise and chief information officer. “In the process, Cyber Defense developed a scalable model that equips students and military interns with hands-on experience using real data and industry tools. It addresses a national workforce shortage while strengthening our own defenses.”

“What started as a need has grown into a sought-after program,” added Heather Roszkowski, DSc, associate vice president of cybersecurity solutions and chief information security officer for AU. “We now have recruiters reaching out, asking for our students’ résumés — clear proof of its value to both students and the industry.”

Augusta University’s SOC is uniquely positioned within a collaborative ecosystem of government, academia and private industry. The Cyber Defense team launched a three-pronged strategy to tap into each sector:

Academia

Increased student assistant funding by 46% using the student tech fee and federal grants from the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, giving more students real-world experience in cybersecurity operations, engineering and governance

Industry

Partnered with Cyber Center tenant SOFtact Solutions to use a federal grant for IT and cybersecurity internships for HUBZone residents

Government

Built internship pipelines with Fort Gordon, formerly Fort Eisenhower, units like U.S. Army Cyber Command and the 305th Cyberspace Squadron, including Skillbridge programs that help service members transition to civilian careers

Additional efforts include launching for-credit internships, hosting federal CyberCorps Scholarship for Service placements and securing VICEROY grant funding to prepare students with job-ready skills.

“There’s a critical shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals,” said Rodd Arthur, director of Cybersecurity Operations. “This project helps close that gap by giving students and service members hands-on experience with real data and commercial tools before they graduate or transition from the military.”

“I believe the SOC further solidifies Augusta University’s place as one of the best schools for cybersecurity in Georgia,” said James Ekechukwu, a former SOC student assistant. “I was able to talk with professionals and obtain hands-on learning that cannot be offered anywhere else, to which I am thankful.”

Augusta University’s expanded SOC capacity has not only enhanced operations but has also provided students with invaluable real-world experience. These internships have helped launch careers at top organizations, including the NSA, FBI, NASA, Deutsche Bank, Deloitte, KPMG, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Booz Allen Hamilton and Corsica Technologies.

Since the project began, representatives from various sectors have toured AU’s SOC to see its success firsthand, including:

• Foreign delegations from Japan, South Korea, Israel, Germany, Scotland and the Netherlands
• Higher education institutions, including the University of Louisville, Mississippi State University, the University of Kentucky, the University of Alabama-Huntsville, Dakota State University and George Mason University
• Government agencies and officials, including the National Security Agency, the White House, the Department of Energy chief information officer, U.S. senators and members of Congress, the National Cyber director, Kentucky state legislators and senators and Florida state chief information security officer
• Private sector companies, including IBM, Splunk, CrowdStrike, Athenix, TEDCO, DEFENSEWERX, Nebraska Defense Research Corporation and Tridium

The 2025 CSO50 Award highlights Augusta University’s ability to turn resource challenges into opportunities, enhancing cybersecurity operations while preparing the next generation of professionals. With national attention and industry demand growing, the real impact is best captured by the students gaining firsthand experience.