McCrary Institute joins Operational Technology Cybersecurity Coalition

The OT Cyber Coalition welcomes the McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security as the newest member to join the diverse group of cybersecurity vendors dedicated to improving the cybersecurity of OT environments.

OTCC: Tell us a little about what the McCrary Institute offers critical infrastructure owners and operators who want to secure their operations.  

The McCrary Institute: 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 our 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.

OTCC: Why did your company decide to join a coalition with their competitors? Why is this so important?

The McCrary Institute: Good question: we are not a competitor! We are the OTCC’s first academic and think tank member, which we believe positions us to contribute positively to the coalition in advancing OT cybersecurity.  And that is important because the criticality of OT cybersecurity warrants strong voices not only from across industry, but the public policy and academic space, as well.

OTCC: What do you think is the top cybersecurity threat facing critical infrastructure owners and operators today?

The McCrary Institute: Increasingly sophisticated attacks from state-affiliated actors, in particular, the People’s Republic of China and other nation-state actors (Russia, Iran, and North Korea).  That is why we have convened a task force of leading cyber experts to address PRC-related threats, like the typhoon actors, and help the U.S. Government respond more effectively. Our ability to reach across both government and industry makes us a convening authority to engage these critically important issues.

OTCC: What is the most critical step the federal government can take with critical infrastructure owners and operators to better secure their OT systems? What is the most critical step federal agencies who have operational technology can take to make those systems more secure?

The McCrary Institute: 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. 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.