Last week, Louisiana State University announced a formal agreement with the US Secret Service for “technology and talent development” in cybersecurity.
The Memorandum of Understanding will strengthen collaboration and interactions between the Secret Service and LSU in research, outreach, and talent, and will “span computer science and cybersecurity” as well as continuing education and athletics, according to the university.
With the agreement, the Secret Service and other related agencies will be able to access the entire LSU system for “talent and technology development in cyber,” LSU said. It will promote research projects, allow students to directly connect with agents, and “engage Tiger athletes for future career opportunities” while protecting Louisiana residents from cyber attacks.
According to the university, since the partnership was signed, administrators have visited Secret Service research labs to discuss “future engagements” with the LSU campus. Additionally, researchers from LSU have been invited to propose research and development projects in such law enforcement areas as “digital and memory forensics.”
LSU President William Tate IV said the university’s partnership with the Secret Service will allow it to “tackle tough security challenges.” He said since he announced last year that the university planned to “become a leader in cybersecurity,” the US Secret Service has shown its commitment to “breaking the mold and showing the world” what can be jointly achieved by a federal agency and a university.
Leslie Pichon, Secret Service New Orleans field office agent in charge, described the partnership as an opportunity for the Secret Service to “connect” with the students who are “the future of the service.” Pinchon said LSU is “a perfect fit” given the university’s “commitment to excellence” and President Tate’s “vision for cyber.”
Through the partnership, the Secret Service and LSU will work jointly on advances in forensic knowledge and cyber-physical system security while providing opportunities for faculty and students to gain insight and experience on “real-work law enforcement and protective services challenges,” the university said.
