iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 8h

Can CISA defend U.S. critical infrastructure despite losing roughly 1,000 employees over the past 18 months? On Cyber Focus, @repwalkinshaw.bsky.social joins Frank Cilluffo to discuss those CISA staffing cuts, the stakes for critical infrastructure, and responsible AI adoption in government.

100

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 23h

Today kicked off a two-day cybersecurity training event welcoming more than 100 water and wastewater professionals, technology leaders and cybersecurity experts from across Alabama. Here's a recap of an impactful first day. caw-al.gov/water-utilit...

caw-al.gov

Water utilities participate in cybersecurity response training - Central Alabama Water

Prepares water utilities to prevent and respond to cyber incidents

001

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

We joined Booz Allen convening government and critical infrastructure leaders from across the Southeast for a tabletop exercise in Huntsville, AL. Here are 3 takeaways and clear advice on how organizations can protect themselves from AI-enabled attacks mccraryinstitute.com/ai-enabled-t...

000

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

In a new op-ed, our Frank Cilluffo and Nick Sellers call for an AI Assurance Compact, a framework for action among the makers of AI models, government, and owners and operators of our nation’s most critical digital systems. Full piece in @cyberscoop.bsky.social cyberscoop.com/president-ai...

002

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Who’s responsible when an AI agent goes rogue? On Cyber Focus, Frank Cilluffo, Bill Evanina, and Matt Hayden discuss AI as an insider threat, the limits of accountability, and how to build safeguards while competing with China.

100

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Cybersecurity researchers are saying the artificial intelligence industry is unprepared for the security risks created by the growing power of its own technology. The @washingtonpost.com turned to our Director Frank Cilluffo for his thoughts. Full story: www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2...

000

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Yesterday, our Director Frank Cilluffo was on Bloomberg News's Balance of Power talking about China's cyber capabilities and the AI race ahead of President Xi's visit to the U.S. 📺 You can watch the full segment here www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/...

000

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

What does it take to fundamentally change our approach to critical infrastructure defense? Frank Cilluffo speaks with Armadin's Stacy O’Mara about moving past business-as-usual in public-private collaboration, and what recent White House directives mean for industry.

100

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

To mark 25 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, @threatbeatnews.bsky.social turned to more than a dozen experts to understand how our security landscape has changed. Leaders who are protecting us sector-by-sector share great insight. Read the series threatbeat.com/project/25-y...

002

Reposted by McCrary Institute

Threat Beat @threatbeatnews.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

EXCLUSIVE: Iranian hackers who recently took credit for an array of attacks on U.S. water systems claimed that they were behind an AT&T outage across major Texas cities on Monday and vowed to “intensify” critical infrastructure attacks before 9/11 threatbeat.com/attacks-and-...

threatbeat.com

Iran hackers claim Texas AT&T outage, vow to ‘intensify’ attacks before 9/11

Iranian hackers who recently took credit for an array of attacks on U.S. water systems claimed that they were behind an AT&T outage across major Texas cities on Monday and vowed to “intensify”…

145

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

“The problem has not gone away. It’s simply altered and modified and evolved.” Twenty-five years after 9/11, former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff joins Cyber Focus to examine what America learned, what changed and what we risk forgetting. Listen: mccraryinstitute.com/cyber-focus-...

mccraryinstitute.com

25 Years After 9/11: What We Learned and What We Risk Forgetting with Michael Chertoff

000

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

If you're at the Billington week, be sure to watch out for great panels and discussions featuring our own Kyle Klein and senior fellows Cheri Caddy, Katherine DiEmidio, Laura Galante, Matt Hayden, Brad Medairy and Mark Montgomery. #BillingtonSummit

010

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Yesterday, Frank Cilluffo testified to House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and said our counterintelligence posture remains too reactive and must evolve. We must protect America’s strategic advantage, not just its secrets. Read his testimony www.congress.gov/119/meeting/...

000

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Happening now: McCrary Institute Director Frank Cilluffo is testifying before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, sharing his insights on the future of the nation’s counterintelligence mission and how the U.S. must adapt to fast-evolving threats.

100

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Cybersecurity has spent decades in a cat-and-mouse game: find a vulnerability, patch it and wait for the next one. @darpa.mil's Dr. Patrick Lincoln joins Frank Cilluffo to discuss breaking that cycle by building systems that are secure from the start.

100

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Great piece in @newsweek.com about the cyber threat posed by Iran. Our director Frank Cilluffo weighed in. Read the full article www.newsweek.com/iran-hidden-...

000

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

We released a report with the Chamber of Commerce calling for a more coordinated, commonsense approach to federal cybersecurity regulations. Layers of well-meaning regs built up over time. Now they're more than just a regulatory burden. They're a security problem mccraryinstitute.com/mccrary-inst...

000

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Some attacks don't cause an immediate outage—they remove the warning signs. In recent water sector attacks, adversaries accessed exposed PLCs and shut off safety alarms without using a single CVE. When a real failure hits at 2 AM, no alert goes out.

100

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

We know the US Coast Guard for boarding and seizing vessels at sea. Today, that mission includes taking control of the ship’s digital environment too. Great conversation with RADM Jason Tama, commander of USCG Cyber Command. Read more on @threatbeatnews.bsky.social threatbeat.com/video/boardi...

mccraryinstitute.com

Boarding the Dark Fleet: Coast Guard Cyber and Maritime Security with RADM Jason Tama

001

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

What happens when the @uscg-official.bsky.social boards a “dark fleet” vessel—and finds cyber risk alongside the physical threats? RADM Jason Tama explains how Coast Guard cyber teams are adapting traditional maritime operations for a more connected world.

100

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Last week’s presidential memorandum is intended to bring the private sector more directly into cyber offense against transnational criminal organizations. Many have asked what this means from a legal standpoint so we turned to attorney, Michael McLaughlin. mccraryinstitute.com/cyber-focus-...

mccraryinstitute.com

Private Sector Cyber Offense: What the New White House Memo Does and Doesn’t Do with Mike McLaughlin

010

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

How are government leaders meant to respond, get ahead and stay resilient when autonomous AI agents have moved into real-world operations and are operating at unprecedented scale and speed? Read the new paper out from Frank Cilluffo and Booz Allen's Brad Medairy mccraryinstitute.com/outpacing-ai...

110

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Only 7% of the federal workforce is under 30, compared with 22% of the U.S. workforce. OPM Director Scott Kupor says government needs a new approach to attracting the next generation of cyber and technology talent, including shorter tours of public service.

100

Reposted by McCrary Institute

Threat Beat @threatbeatnews.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Our top headlines today: Director’s note - CI security can no longer be viewed sector by sector, Chinese AI model escapes testbed, AI just created new viruses, waiting on water systems to harden vulnerabilities, energy as a war target, more threatbeat.com/cyber-briefi...

threatbeat.com

Cyber Briefing - August 7, 2026

CHINESE AI MODEL ESCAPES TESTBED: Chinese startup Moonshot’s flagship AI model, Kimi K3, escaped a cybersecurity testing ‌environment developed by the UK AI Safety ‌Institute…

001

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

A cyberattack does not have to shut down critical infrastructure to cause disruption. Sometimes changing the public’s perception is enough. On Cyber Focus, Peraton’s Tom Afferton talks about rebuilding systems that cannot go offline, AI integration, and defending the trust those systems depend on.

100

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

10 days before attacks were detected on municipal water systems in Minnesota, the Iran-linked Handala group posted a vague-now deleted-threat promising “unforgettable lessons” on its Telegram channel. Story on @threatbeatnews.bsky.social by @bridgetjohnson.bsky.social threatbeat.com/attacks-and-...

011

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

We had a great time honoring the winners of this year's President's Cup Cybersecurity Challenge. We celebrated the best of the best of our nation’s cyber talent and were inspired by the skill, diligence and dedication of this year's winners.

000

Reposted by McCrary Institute

Threat Beat @threatbeatnews.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Our top stories today: Director’s note - No longer just an emerging technology, water threats preceded Minnesota attacks (Threat Beat exclusive), Anthropic AI models hacked companies, defending air bases from drones, more threatbeat.com/cyber-briefi...

threatbeat.com

Cyber Briefing - July 31, 2026

ANTHROPIC AI MODELS HACKED COMPANIES: Anthropic said on Thursday some of its Claude AI models had hacked into the systems of three companies during cybersecurity tests, a disclosure that comes days…

001

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

A great feature on Alabama's statewide cybersecurity model in Tech News World. Thanks to @jpmjr.bsky.social for the writeup and the attention on the stresses local governments are under everyday. www.technewsworld.com/story/local-...

technewsworld.com

Local Governments Face Increasing Cyberattacks

Cyberattacks against local governments are increasing, but experts say Alabama's statewide cybersecurity program offers a model for improving defenses.

010

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Does the U.S. need a dedicated Cyber Force? @houlahan.house.gov thinks it's time to seriously consider it—not just to reorganize the military, but to build career paths that attract and retain the technical talent national security depends on. Watch: mccraryinstitute.com/cyber-focus-...

000

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

On the latest episode of FBI's Ahead of the Threat podcast, Frank Cilluffo joins host and FBI Assistant Director for Cyber Brett Leatherman for a great discussion on how we can better deter our adversaries. Watch and listen here www.fbi.gov/news/podcast...

000

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Team McCrary was pleased to speak at the Alabama Government Information Sciences Conference. Alongside our partners at the Alabama Office of Information Technology, we told state & local government leaders about free McCrary Secure cybersecurity services that will protect their systems and citizens

000

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Our Director Frank Cilluffo testified in front of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence about the next generation of threats thoughtfully considering what we need to continue learning 25 years after the September 11 terrorist attacks. Watch here www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoJw...

000

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Many believe the airspace around America’s most sensitive critical infrastructure is already protected from drones, but that isn't true. On the new Cyber Focus podcast, we discuss FAA Section 2209, counter-drone authority, and who should control the airspace around critical infrastructure.

110

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

HAPPENING NOW: McCrary Institute Director Frank Cilluffo is testifying before the House Intelligence Committee (HPSCI). In a rare open session titled "Confronting the Next Generation of Threats 25 Years After 9/11," he's outlining how US security must evolve for emerging threats.

A panel of four expert witnesses, including Frank Cilluffo, standing at the witness table in a Congressional hearing room with their right hands raised to be sworn in before giving testimony. Placards on the table identify the witnesses, with an audience seated behind them.

A close-up view of Frank Cilluffo speaking animatedly into a microphone while seated at the witness table during a Congressional hearing. He is wearing glasses, a dark suit, a light blue shirt, and a red and blue striped tie. A placard in front of him reads "Mr. Frank Cilluffo, McCrary Institute at Auburn University," alongside a red digital timer and water bottles. Several audience members are seated in the background listening to his testimony.

111

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Our own Dr. Craig Whittinghill spoke at the 2nd Annual Maritime Security Summit sharing insight on the innovation that's driving our nation's port security. It was a great discussion with leaders from the Maritime I-SAC, Port Authority of NY & NJ and US Coast Guard.

000

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

WTVM News stopped by our Edge Lab at Auburn's research park to learn more about our work to protect local governments from cyber attacks. We're monitoring the networks of more than 140 cities and counties in Alabama doing our part to fight back. Watch the full story www.wtvm.com/2026/07/15/a...

000

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Auburn’s growing role in national security is not an accident. It is a commitment. University leaders join Frank Cilluffo on Cyber Focus to discuss research, trusted partnerships, experiential learning and preparing students for an AI-driven future. Episode: mccraryinstitute.com/cyber-focus-...

000

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Great story on WSFA News in Montgomery spreading the good word about the free 24/7 cyber monitoring services available to cities and counties across Alabama. www.wsfa.com/2026/07/11/a...

000

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Municipalities across the country are under near-constant cyber attack. This isn't a far-off digital battle. A successful breach can shut down public services. Local governments are outgunned so we're proud to be in the fight helping protect the citizens across Alabama eng.auburn.edu/news/2026/07...

eng.auburn.edu

‘We’re giving local communities in Alabama a fighting chance’: McCrary program provides cyber defense for local governments across the state

The Alabama Cybersecurity Intelligence Center, a joint initiative of the Alabama Office of Information Technology and the McCrary Institute, offers basic cyber hygiene, penetration testing, incident r...

000

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

“Everything you do creates digital dust.” On the Cyber Focus podcast, Nightwing CTO and former CIA technology leader Chris Jones explains how AI, cyber defense, intelligence operations, and real-world experience are reshaping national security.

100

Reposted by McCrary Institute

CyberScoop @cyberscoop.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

In a conversation with @mccrarycyber.bsky.social's Frank Cilluffo, @gregotto.bsky.social breaks down the timeline behind the controversy surrounding Anthropic’s Fable-5 and Mythos 5 models. www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwNk... Watch the full episode: mccraryinstitute.com/cyber-focus-...

youtube.com

The Anthropic cyber AI controversy, explained: A timeline of what happened

YouTube video by CyberScoop

023

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Between the fight over Anthropic’s Fable-5, and growing tension over AI-driven vulnerability discovery, this moment is raising questions much bigger than one company or model. Cyber Focus talks with @cyberscoop.bsky.social's @gregotto.bsky.social about what it means for AI, cyber, and governance.

120

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

New on @threatbeatnews.bsky.social: The FBI expects to conduct more court-authorized cyber operations to remove foreign hackers’ access to privately owned routers and edge devices said Brett Leatherman on our Cyber Focus podcast. Here's a recap of the interview. threatbeat.com/video/fbi-ey...

threatbeat.com

FBI eyes more court-authorized operations inside compromised private infrastructure

The FBI expects to conduct more court-authorized cyber operations to remove foreign hackers’ access to privately owned routers and edge devices, a senior bureau official said…

000

McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Ransomware groups are weaponizing agentic AI to attack at speeds defenders aren't ready for. You can't fight machine speed with human speed. FBI Cyber Assistant Director Brett Leatherman joins Cyber Focus to map out how the Bureau is fighting back. 👇 Full Show mccraryinstitute.com/cyber-focus-...

000