Shaping the Next Generation of Cyber Experts: Meet Tam Nguyen
Meet Tam Nguyen
At TekStream, we love spotlighting the unique paths and perspectives of the individuals shaping the future of cybersecurity. Today, we’re excited to introduce Tam Nguyen, a passionate and driven student who’s already making a big impact in his SOC role.
From New Orleans to Network Defense
Tam Nguyen is a first-generation Vietnamese American from New Orleans, Louisiana. Currently finishing up his final semester at Louisiana State University, Tam is pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Software Engineering. Along the way, he’s combined his academic knowledge with real-world experience through his work in LSU’s student Security Operations Center (SOC).
His roots in the vibrant culture of New Orleans have shaped his personality and passions—when he’s not deep in logs and alerts, you can find him out fishing, working on home automation projects, 3D printing, building computers, or enjoying some of the region’s famously good food.
From IT to Incident Response
Tam’s journey into cybersecurity began with a curiosity for technology. Starting in IT help desk and classroom support roles, he discovered a growing interest in cybersecurity during an introductory course. When he heard LSU was launching a student-run SOC, he knew it would be the perfect place to apply his skills and gain hands-on experience.
Making an Impact
Tam has spent the past year in the SOC, where he’s already shown an impressive level of dedication and performance. Over the course of his time there, he has:
- Addressed 629 events
- Identified 15 true positives
- Maintained an impressive average audit score of 4.7 out of 5.0.
One of the most memorable incidents he’s worked involved identifying a suspicious command in the RUNMRU registry, showcasing his attention to detail and analytical thinking.
Skills That Stand Out
While in the SOC, Tam has gained hands-on experience with tools like Splunk ES and SOAR, and learned to write basic SPL. He’s built a solid foundation in understanding the different types of cyber attacks and the appropriate ways to respond to them.
Tam is also actively pursuing his CompTIA Security+ certification, further demonstrating his commitment to growing his cybersecurity expertise.
Eyes on the Future
As Tam prepares to graduate and begin the next phase of his journey, he brings with him the skills, mindset, and real-world experience needed to succeed in today’s evolving cybersecurity landscape. He’s a strong example of the next generation of security professionals entering the field.
Let us know if you’re interested in learning more about Tam and his SOC experience!
Download the full program overview now!