The OT Cyber Coalition announced Wednesday that the McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security has joined its ranks, expanding the coalition’s diverse network of vendors and experts working to strengthen cybersecurity across OT (operational technology) environments.
The McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security at Auburn University is dedicated to defending the systems that power our national and economic security, our communities, and way of life. Positioned at the intersection of policy, applied research, and public-private partnerships, the Institute serves as a trusted convener of national leaders, shaping strategy, aligning priorities, and driving real-world cybersecurity solutions to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure.
McCrary is the OTCC’s first academic and think tank member, a role that strengthens the coalition’s ability to advance OT cybersecurity. The critical importance of securing operational technology demands strong representation not only from industry, but also from the public policy and academic communities.
The McCrary Institute is tackling one of the most urgent cybersecurity threats facing critical infrastructure today – that of increasingly sophisticated attacks carried out by state-affiliated actors, in particular, the People’s Republic of China and other nation-state actors such as Russia, Iran, and North Korea pose significant threats.
To address PRC-related threats, including groups like Volt Typhoon, the McCrary Institute has convened a task force of cybersecurity experts to help the U.S. government respond more effectively. With the ability to bridge government and industry, the Institute serves as a trusted convener on these critical national security issues.
“The federal government has a duty and mission, through agencies like DOE, DoD, and CISA to keep sectors informed on the latest OT exploitation trends emanating from bad actors and how to mitigate those threats,” according to The McCrary Institute. “The most critical step for any organization, including federal agencies, is to have a firm understanding of the universe of OT systems under its purview. Knowing what needs to be secure is the first step.”
Last September, Xona Systems announced that it had joined the OT Cyber Coalition to support the coalition’s mission of strengthening cybersecurity across OT environments.
