Advancements in data-driven scientific research depend on trustworthy and reliable cyberinfrastructure.Researchers rely on a variety of networked technologies and software tools to achieve their scientific goals.

These may include local or remote instruments, wireless sensors, software programs,

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operating systems, database servers, high-performance computing, large-scale storage, and other critical infrastructure connected by high-speed networking.

This complex, distributed, interconnected global cyberinfrastructure ecosystem presents unique cybersecurity challenges.

NSF-funded scientific instruments, sensors and equipment are specialized, highly-visible assets that present attractive targets for both unintentional errorsand malicious activity; untrustworthy software or a loss of integrity of the data collected by a scientific instrument may mean corrupt, skewed or incomplete results.

Furthermore, often data-driven research, e.g., in the medical field or in the social sciences, requires access to private information, and exposure of such data may cause financial, reputational and/or other damage.

Therefore, an increasing area of focus for NSF is the development and deployment of hardware and software technologies and techniques to protect research cyberinfrastructure across every stage of the scientific workflow.