Cybersecurity Efforts: Auburn researchers are working to address cybersecurity concerns in critical infrastructure, telecommunications, and GPS vulnerabilities.
Quantum Information Research: Auburn researchers are exploring quantum methods to enhance encryption and security in communications.
Collaborative Education: Auburn faculty provide training for election administrators to improve cybersecurity and management of U.S. election systems.
From electronic devices to electric substations and life-changing decisions in voting booths, Auburn researchers are on the front lines to prevent cyber threats. Auburn University is playing a significant role, with cybersecurity experts working daily to protect critical infrastructure, including the power grid and other essential sectors.
Auburn’s McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security, founded in 2015, leads these efforts. Directed by Frank Cilluffo, the institute bridges the gap between research and practical applications, creating solutions for policymakers at the national and state levels. The institute recently received a $10 million grant from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy to develop collaborative solutions for protecting the power grid.
"The goal is to combine empirical science with strategy to create actionable roadmaps for policymakers." – Frank Cilluffo, Director, McCrary Institute
In addition to critical infrastructure, Auburn researchers are working to address vulnerabilities in GPS systems. Assistant Professor Scott Martin and the GPS and Vehicle Dynamics Lab are researching ways to improve navigational accuracy by combining GPS with sensors, cameras, and radar to protect against GPS interference.
Quantum information processing is becoming an essential tool in securing telecommunications. Auburn’s Mark Adams, director of the Alabama Micro/Nano Science and Technology Center, is leading projects to develop quantum key distribution techniques to enhance encryption security. Auburn researchers are creating test beds to evaluate this technology, building miniature satellites for experiments in space-based quantum communication.
“Our project is focused on creating a test bed for evaluating this technology. We’re building satellites, payloads, and ground stations to test how effective quantum key distribution can be,” Adams said.
Auburn’s commitment to cybersecurity extends to election security. Faculty in Auburn’s Department of Political Science collaborate with The Election Center to educate poll administrators across the U.S. on managing secure and fair elections. This initiative has helped multiple state associations build their own election management training programs, strengthening security across the board.
"Auburn was there first, and I’d like to think we’re the best." – Mitchell Brown, Curtis O. Liles III Endowed Professor of Political Science
