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McCrary Institute

@mccrarycyber.bsky.social
53 followers 35 following 278 posts

Fusing theory with practice, and policy with technology, to protect and advance U.S. interests in the areas of cyber and critical infrastructure security.

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McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
When cyber defenses fail, how do essential services keep running? On Cyber Focus, Australia’s Stephanie Crowe and CISA’s Nick Andersen join Frank Cilluffo to discuss planning to operate through a breach.
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McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
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.
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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...
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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...
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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.
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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...
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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/...
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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.
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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...
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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
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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/...
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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.
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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.
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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-...
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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-...
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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.
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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-...
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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...
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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
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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-...
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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-...
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McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Huge thank you to the organizers who put together today's Homeland Security & Defense Forum. Our Director Frank Cilluffo moderated a panel on congressional priorities with Moira Bergin, Casey Dolen, Alan McQuinn and Emily Park.
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McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Frontier AI can help cyber defenders move faster — but access alone will not protect rural hospitals, utilities, water systems, banks, and local governments. @paloaltonetworks.bsky.social' Daniel Kroese joins Cyber Focus to discuss the challenge of turning advanced AI into usable cyber defense.
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McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
We were out in full force last week at the Alabama Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit sharing our work to defend the systems powering citizen services and our state and local governments across the state. Learn more about how McCrary is providing free services mccraryinstitute.com/mccrary-inst...
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McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Common Sense Media is working toward a crash-test-style model for AI products used by children. On our Cyber Focus podcast, @geoffreyfowler.bsky.social joins Frank Cilluffo to discuss why AI needs independent safety standards — and why kids should not become the beta test.
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McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
We're honored to welcome former Acting Director of the NSA and Commander of USCYBERCOM Lt. Gen. Joe Hartman (Ret.) to our advisory board. Read the full announcement: mccraryinstitute.com/auburn-unive...
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McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
The AI race may come down to who learns fastest. On Cyber Focus, Estonia’s Ambassador Kristjan Prikk explains why AI literacy, education and national competitiveness are now inseparable — and how Estonia’s AI Leap initiative is preparing students to use AI wisely.
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McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
AI agents are not just tools that follow instructions. They can behave in ways organizations may not anticipate. On the Cyber Focus podcast, Walter Haydock, founder and CEO of StackAware, joins Frank Cilluffo to discuss what AI accountability should look like.
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McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Today we announced the appointment of Jennifer Flandermeyer and KC Carnes, executives at NextEra Energy, Inc. and the Tennessee Valley Authority, to lead our Southeast Region Cybersecurity Collaboration Center Industry Advisory Board. Read the announcement: mccraryinstitute.com/auburn-unive...
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McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
CrowdStrike's Drew Bagley gives us a needed "wake up call" about the need to secure the AI systems now embedded into our organizations. "AI has access to things you wouldn't give an intern access to," he warns. Watch the full episode of Cyber Focus here: mccraryinstitute.com/cyber-focus-...
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McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Few people have had a close look at how Mythos, Project Glasswing, and Project QuiltWorks may change cyber defense. @crowdstrike.com has and Drew Bagley explains what they’re learning.
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McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Most people hear “encrypted” and think “safe.” @signal.org CTO Ehren Kret makes a sharper point: encryption can stop mass surveillance, but it does not make your phone untouchable. That distinction matters.
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McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
If AI changes entry-level work, how does the next generation gain experience? That question sits inside a broader Cyber Focus conversation with Zach Tudor of Idaho National Laboratory on workforce adaptation, critical infrastructure, OT security, and resilience.
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McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
What if you could build the lab you’ve always wanted — and deploy it against real threats on real systems? We're hiring a Deputy Director & Edge Lab Director. The position is in Auburn. An active secret clearance is required. Learn more and apply here: jobs.auburn.edu/auburn-careers-home/jobs/8808
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McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
What happens when reputation becomes a target? On the Cyber Focus podcast, Preston Golson breaks down how false narratives spread, why trust matters, and how companies can prepare before the damage is done.
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McCrary Institute @mccrarycyber.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
What can @cultdeadcow.com teach us about cyber today? On the Cyber Focus podcast, @joemenn.bsky.social connects the roots of hacker culture to modern debates over cyber ethics, surveillance, Big Tech, and the security risks rising alongside AI.
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