Case Study: Elevating Cybersecurity at Alpha University with XDR and 24/7 SOC Support

How Group9 and Cybersafe helped a higher ed institution close security gaps, respond faster, and protect sensitive data post-breach

The Challenge

In the wake of a significant security breach in 2022, Alpha University was left questioning the integrity of its cybersecurity infrastructure. Despite having security tools in place, many were misconfigured or misunderstood—resulting in blind spots, delayed responses, and missed threat detections.

The internal team lacked the cybersecurity expertise to fully leverage the tools they had, leaving the university vulnerable to data compromise and operational disruption.

The Group9 + Cybersafe Solution

To respond quickly and transform their security posture, the university partnered with Cybersafe’s 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC), delivered through Group9. Together, they implemented a comprehensive eXtended Detection and Response (XDR) solution that unified detection, response, and real-time threat management across the university’s environment.

Key Features of the Solution:

• 🔍 Centralized Detection and Response: Integrated EDR, NTA, and threat intelligence into a unified XDR platform

• 🧠 Full Visibility Across Environments: Delivered real-time threat analysis across endpoints, network, and cloud

• 🛠️ Unlimited Incident Response: Enabled remote response to security events as they happened

• 🧑‍💻 Team Extension: Cybersafe’s SOAR platform allowed their SOC team to operate as a direct extension of the university’s staff

The Results

• ✅ Closed detection and response gaps across all digital assets

• ⏱️ Enabled real-time threat response, reducing reaction times from hours or days to minutes

• 🔄 Integrated previously siloed tools into a cohesive cybersecurity strategy

• 🎓 Created a safer campus IT environment for staff, students, and stakeholders

• 🛡️ Positioned the university for long-term cybersecurity maturity with scalable protections

Conclusion

By partnering with Group9 and Cybersafe, Alpha University transitioned from reactive cybersecurity to a proactive, fully managed 24/7 security model. Through continuous monitoring, deep integration, and expert support, the university now has the confidence and tools needed to prevent breaches, protect sensitive information, and meet compliance expectations in the evolving threat landscape.