SEI Outlines National Security Cyber Research Priorities
A new framework identifies 37 research opportunities across seven areas, including AI security, insider threats and system vulnerabilities.
- By Chelsey Arries
- Sep 23, 2026
Carnegie Mellon University’s Software Engineering Institute (SEI) has released a framework identifying cybersecurity research priorities for national security missions, according to an institute announcement.
Developed by more than 25 SEI technical experts, the report, “Advancing Cybersecurity: A Framework of Cyber Research Priorities,” outlines 37 research opportunities and provides near- and long-term actions.
Its seven focus areas cover cybersecurity analysis and operations, security for artificial intelligence systems, cyber-physical systems, complex integrated systems, insider threats and human interaction with systems, secure engineering and security modeling and simulation.
SEI recommends organizations consider three cyber-risk factors when developing measurable research strategies: potential attackers’ threat characteristics, consequences for missions and system vulnerabilities. This approach is intended to make research strategies measurable.
Bill Scherlis, the framework’s editor, and CERT Division Director Greg Touhill led the development effort. Researchers selected the areas based on national security needs and challenges facing mission partners.
The institute is inviting cybersecurity professionals to suggest revisions, share information and identify best practices.
About the Author
Chelsey Arries is assistant editor of Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.