Kim Nguyen: Tackling Cyber Threats and Uncovering Malware in the SOC

Meet Kim Nguyen

Kim Nguyen, a Computer Science (Cybersecurity) major at LSU, will graduate on May 16th, 2026. She holds certifications in CompTIA Security+ and GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender (GCED). Kim has spent 15 months in LSU’s Security Operations Center (SOC), where she has addressed over 1,200 events, identified at least 35 true positives, and achieved an average audit score of 4.89. Her most memorable experience involved analyzing a suspicious file in a sandbox environment, which allowed her to recognize malware in real-time and escalate the threat to protect others.

Discovering a Passion for Cybersecurity

Kim, a first-generation college student from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has always had an affinity for technology. Growing up playing video games with her younger brother sparked her interest in computers. Initially unsure about her career path, Kim pursued software engineering during her first two years of college. It wasn’t until her sophomore year, when she started engaging with organizations and diving deeper into cybersecurity, that she realized her true passion.

Joining the LSU SOC and the LSU Cybersecurity Clinic as a blue teamer gave her the hands-on experience and confidence she needed. The sense of pride she feels from helping others and teaching her immigrant family about technology is what drives her to continue advancing in the field of cybersecurity.

Memorable SOC Experience

One of Kim’s most memorable incidents in the SOC occurred when she analyzed a suspicious file in a sandbox. As soon as she executed the file, she noticed it was behaving abnormally, downloading additional files and executing commands without user interaction. “It excites me every time I get to witness malware in real-time,” she says. “We learn about them in class, but it’s different when you can recognize suspicious behaviors, verify them, and then escalate the event to protect others.”

Her ability to identify and act quickly during these types of incidents highlights her technical proficiency and passion for cybersecurity.

What She Enjoys Most

For Kim, the best part of working in the SOC is the abundance of learning opportunities. Beyond handling events, she values the chance to improve her skills in tools like Splunk/SPL, tackle complex events with the guidance of mentors, and engage with new peers in each cohort. The collaborative environment in the SOC is crucial to her learning experience—whether it’s learning new techniques or sharing knowledge with others.

Skills Learned in the SOC

During her time in the SOC, Kim has honed a wide range of skills, both technical and professional, including:

  • Analyzing security events and identifying suspicious file behavior
  • Working with Splunk and other security tools
  • Making quick and efficient decisions under pressure
  • Collaborating with peers and mentors to improve her skills
  • Strengthening her ability to escalate incidents to protect organizations from potential threats

Looking Ahead

After graduation, Kim hopes to secure a role as a security analyst, with a focus on expanding her skills in networks and Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR). Ideally, she would prefer a remote position, but she is open to roles in Louisiana or Texas. Although she’s interested in day shifts, she is flexible and open to night shift or weekend positions if needed. Kim will be available for full-time work starting in June 2026.

Advice to Future Students

Kim’s advice for students considering cybersecurity is to get involved early. “Join campus organizations specific to what you’re studying or want to do, and don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors. They’re there to help, and can point you in the right direction to resources or opportunities.” Building a network and gaining experience through internships or on-campus jobs can help students stand out when applying for future roles. Kim also encourages students to use breaks to work on certifications and continue learning to enhance their skillset and make a lasting impression.

Gain hands-on experience in a real-world SOC environment, develop critical cybersecurity skills, and prepare for a successful career in the industry. Start your journey today with TekStream’s Student SOC program.