As issues involving national security and cybersecurity increasingly intersect, both university and military researchers share increasingly common ground.

To maximize the benefits of work from both areas of expertise, IU’s Center for Applied Cybersecurity Research (CACR) and Naval Surface Warfare Center-Crane entered a two-year agreement to collaborate in addressing the ever-increasing challenges involved in cybersecurity.

The pact is seen as the initial phase of a long-term partnership to addressing cybersecurity issues. As the Department of Defense undergoes a transition in the framework it uses for information security — and NSWC-Crane plays a critical role in national security — the pact offers CACR a “huge opportunity” to contribute to that effort, said Craig Jackson, CACR’s lead policy analyst.

“NSWC Crane and the CACR both recognize that cybersecurity is an inherently interdisciplinary field, and we can’t fully address the cyber problem from isolated silos of expertise,” Jackson said.

There are economic benefits as well.

“Cybersecurity and IT research are part of Indiana’s newest growth industry,” said Kirk White, IU assistant vice president and military liaison. “This agreement will strengthen the state’s position to attract and retain new projects, jobs and talent.”

Read more about the agreement here.