Video Transcript
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Animated GIF showing aspects of TraCR research.
Column 1: Adaptive and Next-Generation Cybersecurity and Resiliency Technologies - Person sitting at desk with 3D light map projected on wall.
Heading: Noteworthy Supporting Technologies
Panel 1: Artificial Intelligence - Brain and computer circuit
Panle 2: Quantum Computing - Computer chip
Column 2: TraCR Logo
Column 3: Advancing cybersecurity and resilience in transportation systems and infrastructure to defend against cyber threats and vulnerabilities - Inside of high-speed transport station.
Strengthening Infrastructure with Cyber Resilience
We live in a world of revolutionary developments in information and communications technology (ICT)—and transportation is at the center of these changes. Evolving transportation cyber-physical systems (TCPS) are using computing, communications, and automation power to integrate and optimize our mobility systems and infrastructure. By using these technologies for moving goods and people more safely and efficiently, TCPS has the potential to dramatically advance our economy and society. But with this promise also comes an increased risk of cyber vulnerabilities. Malign actors, from criminals to hostile governments, might harvest sensitive data or even sabotage the transportation systems on which we all rely.
Clemson University is leading a national center where researchers are devising new ways of hardening transportation systems against cyberattacks. The National Center for Transportation Cybersecurity and Resiliency (TraCR) is strengthening cybersecurity and resiliency using cutting-edge technologies and strategies, such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Our mission is to contribute to America’s economic and technological leadership by conducting transformative research, deploying next-generation technologies and practices, and developing a future-ready workforce.
Testimonials from TRACR Advisory Board Members
“TraCR’s work is critical to ensuring our nation’s transportation systems and infrastructure are safe from cyber adversaries. Understanding the potential as well as the threats and vulnerabilities posed by ever-evolving cyber-physical systems is essential to protecting the systems we use every day. The breakthrough cybersecurity research TraCR performs is foundational to making our interconnected transportation system resilient.”
Dr. Kerry BuckleyVice PresidentCenter for Integrated Transportation, The MITRE Corporation
“TraCR's research is critical in advancing cybersecurity and resilience in transportation systems. Their work directly supports our efforts at Phoenix, where we develop solutions to strengthen the security and reliability of UEFI platform firmware. As a result, the collaboration with TraCR helps us stay ahead of emerging threats to critical infrastructure.”
Dr. Dick WilkinsPrincipal Technology LiaisonPhoenix Technologies
Partnerships
TraCR is a USDOT-supported National University Transportation Center (NUTC) that aims to build an ironclad defense for the nation’s transportation systems against cyberattacks. Researchers in the center come from a wide range of backgrounds, bringing their expertise in everything from engineering, physics, and planning to psychology, logistics, and finance. Our partner institutes are Clemson University (Lead Institution), Benedict College, Florida International University, Morgan State University, Purdue University, South Carolina State University, University of California at Santa Cruz, The University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, and The University of Texas at Dallas.
Institutions
Clemson University is working with partner institutions to defend the transportation system against cyberattacks.
Protecting Infrastructure
As the nation's transportation system is getting more automated and interconnected, TraCR researchers are working toward devising novel strategies for hardening the system against cyberattacks
News CoverageCenter
The 1st National University Transportation Center on Transportation Cybersecurity in the United States
Transformative Approach
The National Center for Transportation Cybersecurity and Resiliency is motivated to work towards defending the transportation systems against the threats of today and tomorrow. However, eliminating the vulnerabilities of connected data-driven transportation systems is a complex task. The center offers a transformative approach, blending research, teaching, workforce training, and implementing practical and cost-effective technologies, policies, and procedures in both the public and private sectors.
TraCR has an ambitious agenda that will contribute substantially to realizing USDOT goals. The table below maps our proposed activities to USDOT priorities, including concrete targets to measure our efforts.
TraCR works for the seamless collaboration of myriad disciplines and considers all facets of transportation and its impacts on society, from mobility to safety. Focus areas include hardware and software, communications and computing, politics and policy, financial feasibility, and, most of all, the stakeholders who use and benefit from the transportation system.
“TraCR will defend our transportation systems from known and unknown cyberattacks. We will deliver solutions that will protect our transportation infrastructures from deliberate attacks. Our focus will also be on developing resilient transportation infrastructure that is not vulnerable to cyberattacks.”
Mashrur “Ronnie” ChowdhuryDirectorNational Center for Transportation Cybersecurity and Resiliency
