Jay was awarded the ISC2 Mid-Career Award for his commitment to higher education, diversity, advocacy and nurturing industry newcomers, evident through his exceptional mentorship within the cybersecurity team and Security Operations Center, leaving a profound impact on Auburn University, the Auburn-Opelika community and countless students.

With October being CyberSecurity Awareness Month, this week’s segment of the Everything Auburn podcast focuses on the world of cyber and how Auburn is a leader in this space. This week’s podcast features Jay James, CyberSecurity Operations Center Lead for Auburn, who talks about his role at Auburn and provides helpful information when it comes to all things cyber.

Higher education institutions must treat cybersecurity as a fundamental competency, raising awareness among users, developing plans, and assessing tools and resources, as cybersecurity threats expand and evolve alongside the laws, policies, practices, and solutions aimed at protecting data and digital systems, all in order to safeguard institutional assets and train tomorrow’s cybersecurity professionals and leaders. Explore the Showcase: https://www.educause.edu/showcase-series/2024/cybersecurity-as-a-core-competency Hosts: Sophie White, Showcase Program Manager, EDUCAUSE; Jenay Robert, Senior Researcher, EDUCAUSE Guests: John Virden - Assistant Vice President for Security, Compliance, and Risk Management; Chief Information Security Officer at Miami University John Virden earned an MS in Computer Science (Naval Postgraduate School, 1998) and MA in National Security and Strategic Studies (Naval War College, 2003). A former Naval Officer, Booz Allen Hamilton management consultant, and Chief Information Security Officer at the University of California, Riverside. Currently Assistant Vice President of Security, Compliance, and Risk Management and CISO at Miami University. Manages strategic partnerships and orchestrates information security governance, risk management, awareness, campus consulting and cybersecurity operations. Jay James - Cybersecurity Operation Lead at Auburn University Jay James is a cybersecurity professional currently working as the Cybersecurity Operation Lead at Auburn University. After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in Information Systems Management and from Florida Tech with a Master's in IT Cybersecurity, he began his career as the IT specialist at VCOM-Auburn Campus. Shortly After, Jay began work as a Cybersecurity Analyst, specializing in Data Loss Prevention, Endpoint Security, Security Operations, Security Awareness and Training, and Risk Analysis. He then progressed to his current role, developing and implementing the first Security Operations Center and Cybersecurity Student Worker Program for the University. Outside of his cybersecurity role, Jay focuses on developing and engaging in DEI initiatives around Auburn University and the local community and expanding leadership and mentorship opportunities for young professionals.

H.E.R.O. Award is in recognition of Helpfulness, Empathy, Resilience, Optimism and continuous commitment, to access and opportunity at Auburn University.

Jay James served as the Young Alumni Chair for the 2022-2023 Year. He was also the longest serving Young Alumni Council member from the inaugural class.