Team for Research in Ubiquitous Secure Technology

Computer trustworthiness continues to increase in importance as a pressing scientific, economic, and social problem. The last decade has seen a rapid increase in computer security attacks at all levels, as more individuals connect to common networks and as motivations and means to conduct sophisticated attacks increase. A parallel and accelerating trend of the last decade has been the rapidly growing integration role of computing and communication in critical infrastructure systems, such as financial, energy distribution, telecommunication and transportation, which now have complex interdependencies rooted in information technologies. These overlapping and interacting trends force us to recognize that trustworthiness of our computer systems is not an IT issue alone; it has a direct and immediate impact on our nation's critical infrastructure. As a consequence, there is an acute need for developing a much deeper understanding of the scientific foundations of cyber security and critical infrastructure systems, as well as their implications for economic and public policy.

In response to this need, the Team for Research in Ubiquitous Secure Technology (TRUST) will be devoted to the development of a new science and technology that will radically transform the ability of organizations (software vendors, operators, local and federal agencies) to design, build, and operate trustworthy information systems for our critical infrastructure. The Center will bring together a team with a proven track record in relevant areas of computer security, systems modeling and analysis, software technology, economics, and social sciences. The research team will be advised and supported by an External Advisory Committee with strong representation of vendors of information technology, critical infrastructure protection providers, and other relevant stakeholders.

(For the full project description, see the TRUST Website.)