Atlanta-based TekStream, a pioneer in cybersecurity and IT solutions, will showcase its innovative Whole of State Cybersecurity Framework at AWS Imagine 2025. The initiative targets comprehensive digital protection for public sector entities, from state agencies to universities, using shared defenses and centralized operations.

Why Whole of State Matters

Government budgets and IT teams are stretched thin, and not every agency can afford its own advanced Security Operations Center. TekStream’s Whole of State model changes that by pooling resources across public institutions. This means shared threat intelligence, centralized defense tools, and joint response efforts. The result is better coverage at a lower cost.

Powered by AWS and Splunk

TekStream’s approach is built on Splunk’s SIEM and SOAR technologies and AWS’s cloud platform. Splunk captures and analyzes security data. SOAR automates alert handling and incident response. AWS provides scalable, secure hosting. Together, they offer real-time threat tracking, automation, and quick responses. Everything is centrally managed, yet accessible across all participating entities.

Solving the Cyber Skills Shortage

There is a major talent gap in cybersecurity. By the end of the year, more than half of serious cyber incidents are expected to stem from either talent shortages or human error. In the United States, over 600,000 cybersecurity roles remain unfilled, with public agencies especially at risk.

TekStream’s framework addresses this by focusing not just on tools, but also on people. By co-managing resources and offering hands-on training through shared SOC operations, public sector teams and students gain practical experience. This builds internal expertise, reduces dependence on contractors, and prepares the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

How It Works in Practice

• Shared SOC: Institutions join a multi-tenanted SOC service instead of building their own. This offers 24/7 monitoring and response.
  
  
• Workforce training: University students, including those from LSU’s program launched in 2023, get up to 1,000 hours of SOC experience annually. Many have already transitioned to full-time roles.
  
  
• Rapid response: Automated systems quickly flag, analyze, and prioritize threats. Response workflows kick in within minutes.
  
  
• Cost efficiencies: Shared services cut IT overhead. Agencies save on software licenses, staff training, and infrastructure.

Public Private Collaboration: A Two Way Street

This is not traditional outsourcing. It is a collaborative model. Public institutions benefit from private sector tools and insights. In return, TekStream gets real-world feedback to refine their systems and training. The partnership boosts resilience and is designed to scale as more institutions join.

What’s Next

TekStream’s model is already in motion. The student SOC at LSU began in 2023, and the New Jersey Institute of Technology is preparing its own. At AWS Imagine 2025, TekStream will invite more public agencies and schools to join the network. The goal is to move from concept to full-scale adoption.

Bottom Line

TekStream’s Whole of State framework gives public sector institutions a smarter way to share cybersecurity tools, grow talent, and act quickly during threats. It cuts costs and boosts efficiency. At AWS Imagine 2025, they are set to show that shared cyber defense is not an idea for tomorrow. It is already happening.