Work begins on SEMO’s new cyber command center

Construction of Southeast Missouri State University’s new Cyber Command Center is underway.

SEMO announced a partnership with IBM to strengthen its cybersecurity program last fall. According to a news release from the university, the IBM Cyber Command Center will “immerse students in simulated real-world cyber-attack incidents.”

“We are excited to work with IBM X-Force Cyber representatives on this project, so our students can train by experiencing true-to-life cyber response scenarios in a full-scale security operations center,” SEMO president Carlos Vargas said.

Three types of cyber consoles that support up to 27 computer stations — an “immersive” 27-foot display wall, an observation room and dedicated servers allowing students to practice realistic breach scenarios — will be included at the center. SEMO’s Institute of Cybersecurity director Mario Garcia believes the new command center will allow the university to host cybersecurity competitions and training for area businesses.

“The IBM Cyber Command Center will allow students to learn crisis best practices including leadership and decision-making principles, communication tactics and crisis frameworks,” Garcia said.

Dempster Hall will host the command center, and the project is expected to be completed this fall.