“Policy is important because it makes everything turn, but policy without resources is rhetoric and policy without technology is just a good idea.”

Frank Cilluffo, Director of the McCrary Institute

About the Institute

The McCrary Institute combines the knowledge of recognized policy authorities and renowned faculty researchers from Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering to develop solutions to real-world security problems and educate the security experts of the future. We strengthen security by defending and attacking through an interdisciplinary approach that merges strategic policy making with advanced research, education and sophisticated technological expertise to create forward-looking, practical solutions.

Because we can convene the right people to work on problems, the institute is a trusted resource for decision-makers at the highest levels of government and business.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a critical challenge for our time, perhaps THE critical challenge for our time. No one, not your CEO, not the Pentagon, not your friends and family, can afford to ignore or even downplay it. The threats are widespread and the implications are enormous. Addressing the many facets of this crucial factor in government and business is an evolving challenge. The complexities of cybersecurity demand the high-level talent and expertise of the McCrary Institute

Critical Infrastructure

The nation’s security and economy depend heavily on major infrastructure components that are clear potential targets for cyber attacks – power grids, financial systems, dams, computer networks, communications links, energy transportation systems… It’s a long list. At McCrary, we tap a broad base of expertise and experience to help secure these critical components by defending them from threats that are known today and attacking those that will follow tomorrow. Our work covers areas such as emergency management, enhancing the resilience of essential infrastructure, transportation security and transnational threats such as weapons of mass destruction.

Defense & Intelligence

Note: broad/general industry topics

Intelligence is vital to America’s national defense structure, all the more so in a turbulent world with numerous active terrorist threats. McCrary Institute experts support national defense and intelligence efforts with insights on conflict zone analysis; the role and reliability of regional partners; the new actors, tactics and weapons of emerging threats across the globe; measures to counter radicalization; and the development of strategies for defense, diplomacy and information sharing.

National Security

The nation’s security structure is a complex web of intricately connected systems that form a barrier against current threats and a base from which to move against future threats. But it’s an ever-shifting battlefield that demands unending research, analysis and preparation. At McCrary, that’s exactly what we do.

We draw on a deep pool of expertise to strengthen these systems and adapt them to thwart the assaults of bad actors worldwide. We educate the cyber warriors who take on those bad actors. We develop policies that give the nation’s leaders a stronger base of information and action.

Cyberspace Policy

Our increasingly interconnected world requires clearly defined cyberspace policies to defend against threats that can assault our systems in obvious and subtle ways. With multiple aspects of security and nearly every part of everyday life potentially at risk, the deep talent associated with the McCrary Institute is a tremendous asset for key decision-makers across government and business. Our experts address critical issues across the threat spectrum, such as response measures and partnerships, artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

Space Technology

Space technology concerns go far beyond exploration. Crucial defense structures and economic and financial systems are linked to space-based capabilities, as are many activities of everyday life. That makes them potential targets for cyber threats aimed at space assets.

Space is increasingly crowded, too. It’s no longer the province of superpowers, but now contains players from across the globe. Their technological advancement increases the threat level – and the importance of leading-edge research and education at the McCrary Institute to identify vulnerabilities and effectively defend space assets.

Jim Heilbron, Senior VP, Senior Production Officer, Alabama Power Company, headshot
Jim Heilbron

Jim Heilbron

Jim Heilbron earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Auburn in 1994...

Mario Eden

Mario Eden

  Mario Eden, the Joe T. and Billie Carole McMillan Professor and former chair of Auburn...

Zeke Smith, Executive VP External Affairs, Alabama Power Company, photo
Zeke Smith

Zeke Smith

Zeke Smith served as Alabama Power’s executive vice president of external affairs before retiring...

Steve Taylor

Steve Taylor

Steve Taylor is senior vice president for research & economic development at Auburn University....

Walt Woltosz

Walt Woltosz

Woltosz holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Auburn University in aerospace engineering, 1969 and 1977, and a master's in administrative...

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