Cybersecurity Research and Development Program

Cybersecurity Research and Development Program is sponsored by NSF. Funds research projects that advance the understanding and development of cybersecurity technologies.

Cybersecurity | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation View image credit & caption For decades, the U.S. National Science Foundation has funded research to protect national and personal security in today's highly connected, digital world. Cybersecurity is critical for safeguarding the nation's digital infrastructure, keeping supply chains moving, and ensuring the safety and privacy of personal data on the internet.

Achieving security in the cyber realm requires more than strengthening cyberinfrastructure — the hardware, software, networks, data and people that underpin today's computing technologies. It also requires continued vigilance as the threats posed by attackers and emerging technologies evolve.

Many new technologies, like generative artificial intelligence and wearable sensors that monitor health, present both risks and opportunities for cybersecurity. NSF invests in research focused on maximizing these technologies' potential while securing their safety and privacy. Find funding for cybersecurity research NSF's decades of sustained investments have ensured the continual advance of cyber research and security.

Pioneering work supported by NSF includes: NSF-funded researchers led a paradigm shift in secret and secure communication with public-key cryptography , ensuring secure communications in financial and medical industries. NSF-funded researchers helped to quantify the risks posed by cryptocurrencies, identifying multiple forms of price manipulation and informing regulators and the public about these risks and how to address them.

Detecting security vulnerabilities NSF-funded researchers developed techniques, like SMT solvers, to detect software vulnerabilities and defend critical industry, research and government networks from cyberattacks. NSF-funded researchers revealed the vulnerability of cars and trucks to cyberattacks, inspiring automakers to release software updates to address these threats.

Privacy-preserving techniques NSF funded the research on federated learning, differential privacy, secure multi-party computation and related techniques that allow datasets to be shared while protecting individual privacy. Privacy and security labels NSF-supported research led to the development of privacy and security labels that help consumers evaluate the security and data privacy practices of devices before they buy them.

Fundamental and translational research We support research on the technical and social factors that impact the security and privacy of computerized systems, and how to translate that knowledge to the market and society.

Education and workforce development We support educational programs that expand and nurture a skilled cybersecurity workforce pipeline, from K-12 and beyond, as well as education research and interventions to help everyday users improve their security and privacy.

Partnerships to accelerate progress We partner with other federal agencies, industry and nonprofits to share data, tools, expertise and other resources; strengthen workforce development; and translate research into products and services that benefit society. Computer and Information Science and Engineering: Core Programs Supports research and education that advances cybersecurity and cyberinfrastructure.

America's Seed Fund (SBIR/STTR) Supports startups and small businesses to translate research into products and services, including cybersecurity and authentication , to secure the national defense and protect the public.

Energy, Power, Control and Networks Supports research in modeling, optimization, learning, adaptation and control of secure, networked multi-agent systems; higher-level decision making; and dynamic resource allocation and risk management.

Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies Supports experiential learning opportunities that provide cohorts of learners with the skills needed to succeed in cyberinfrastructure, cybersecurity and other emerging technology fields.

Security, Privacy and Trust in Cyberspace Supports research addressing cybersecurity and privacy, drawing on expertise in one or more of these areas: computing, communication and information sciences; education; mathematics; statistics; and social and behavioral sciences.

Explore more funding for cybersecurity-related research NSF directorates supporting cybersecurity-related research Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences (SBE) Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Biological Sciences (BIO) Integrative Activities (OIA) International Science and Engineering (OISE) Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) NSF announces first awards to advance AI and cybersecurity education and workforce development through CyberAICorps Scholarship for Service Program NSF awards 12 new Regional Innovation Engines to fuel research, jobs and economic growth nationwide Podcast: The future of quantum cryptography Explore cybersecurity news Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Coordination Ecosystem: Services and Support Advances innovations in cyberinfrastructure accessibility, user support and integration services.

Provides services to simplify cloud access for computer science research and education. Provides in-person and virtual camps introducing K-12 students and teachers to cybersecurity basics. National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Pilot Supports artificial intelligence research requiring privacy and security-preserving resources.

Provides virtual labs and exercises for teaching and learning about computer networks, network security, cloud computing and more. Trusted CI: Cybersecurity Center of Excellence Provides cybersecurity expertise to the research and education community. "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022" The act authorizes historic investments in use-inspired, solutions-oriented research and innovation in key technology focus areas.