The Security Frontier

Innovating for Secure and Resilient Communities >>>

Ensuring communities are prepared to face global threats, from climate change to cybersecurity to national defense through advances in preparation, defense, mitigation, and recovery.

Partner with Us

New research center aims to elevate nation’s drone defense

Supported by a $5 million award from the U.S. Department of Defense and led by the Virginia Tech National Security Institute and the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership, the Counter UAS Research and Testing Center will include an unparalleled ecosystem of drone research.

Read the Story

‘Curious Conversations’ podcast: Austin Phoenix talks about drone defense

Austin Phoenix joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about unmanned aerial systems, commonly called drones, the challenges they present to the defense sector, and the work university researchers are doing to help mitigate any potential threats.

More About the Episode

Nation’s drone defenses bolstered by new center

Virginia Tech’s Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) and Virginia Tech’s National Security Institute (VTNSI) are partnering with the U.S. Army to open a Counter-UAS Testing and Research Center where the nation’s detection systems can be tested, evaluated and improved.

Learn More About the Center

Commonwealth Cyber Initiative builds global partnerships to tackle cyber threats

The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative is strengthening international collaboration by engaging embassy representatives from around the world to address widespread cyber threats.

Two people are speaking during an event. A person to the left is holding a microphone while listening to the person to the right that is speaking.

Security Research Areas

Climate Change
Cloud Security
Computer Networks
Cryptography
Cybersecurity
Data Control
Defense
Disaster Resilience
Economic Security
Energy
Environmental Security

Infrastructure
Mitigation
Mobile
Network
Privacy
Recovery
Software
Software Coding
Water
Web Services
Wireless

Security Research Experts

From disaster resilience to computer network security, Virginia Tech researchers are working to meet needs of the nation’s intelligence and defense communities and addressing global environmental changes.

Laura Freeman

Luiz de Silva

Eric Paterson

View More Experts

Virginia Tech Security Research Sponsors

Security Research Teams

Aerospace and Ocean Systems Division

Center for Coastal Studies

Commonwealth Cyber Initiative

Global Change Center

Intelligent Systems Division

Space @ Virginia Tech

Spectrum Dominance Division

Security News

Article Item

Michael Mays appointed senior director of Secure Identity Services , article
Michael Mays joined Virginia Tech’s Division of Information Technology in August as senior director of Secure Identity Services.
Date: Oct 06, 2026 -
Article Item

Randy Marchany presented with the EDUCAUSE Organizational Culture Award for 2026 , article
Virginia Tech university IT security officer emeritus and computer engineering professor Randy Marchany received the 2026 EDUCAUSE Organizational Culture Award for his dedication to building a positive and thriving campus culture.
Date: Oct 05, 2026 -
Article Item

Virginia Tech leads multimillion-dollar project for women's health , article
A team of researchers from across the country will investigate the connection between hormones and vaginal tissue health in a project funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Date: Sep 29, 2026 -
Article Item

Experts available: UN General Assembly, AI and air traffic control, midterm elections, oil prices, and extreme weather , article
Virginia Tech experts are available this week to discuss top news stories, including the U.S. and Iranian presidents speaking at the UN, Al tools for air traffic control, the stakes for both parties (and AI) in the midterms, rapidly rising oil prices, and weather extremes. To schedule an interview with any of them or if you need analysis on other topics, please contact mediarelations@vt.edu.
Date: Sep 21, 2026 -

View All Security News