University of Sussex partners with Exponential-e to implement Cyber SOC

Located near Brighton, the University of Sussex is a leading higher education and research institution playing host to upwards of18,500 students and circa 3,500 members of staff.

As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing cyber security, the University of Sussex has created a dedicated Cyber Security Programme, partnering with Exponential-e to implement a fully managed SOC in support of its vision.

The SOC, which is destined to operate as a hybrid model, will see Exponential-e work in close collaboration with the internal IT Services team at the University of Sussex. Together, the two parties will ensure that cyber security capabilities are strengthened, providing 24/7-365 monitoring, threat detection and response services.

The contract spans an initial period of three years following implementation, with two annual extension options potentially witnessing the arrangement continuing for a maximum of five years.

Earlier detection and response

The key benefits that the managed SOC service include an increased capacity for earlier detection and response to events, incidents and threats in order to minimise disruption to IT services, in turn leading to a reduction in the number (and severity) of cyber incidents that do occur.

Suzanne Elmore, cyber security manager at the University of Sussex, explained: “In an ever-changing threat landscape, there’s now a continual need for improved insight and awareness of emerging cyber threats within the University of Sussex. Working with Exponential-e to deliver the managed SOC, we will be able to access an informed source of intelligence with a view towards efficiently monitoring threat analysis and responding to cyber threats on a 24/7 basis.”

Emerging threats

Afshin Attari, director of public sector programmes at Exponential-e, observed: “We understand the complexities of malicious behaviour and have deep rooted experience of counteracting emerging threats. We’re very much looking forward to working with the University of Sussex to support its forward-thinking cyber strategy.”

Attari added: “The managed SOC service will not only monitor and manage threat analysis for quicker response rates to minimise IT disruption for students and staff, but also assist in reducing exposure to financial and reputational risk from cyber security threats.”