Computing technology now affects nearly every dimension of modern society: managing critical infrastructure such as power grids and telecommunication networks; supporting electronic commerce and medical information systems; and controlling the operation of aircraft and automobiles. High-assurance computing systems are those designed to tolerate failures, and even direct attack, in order to continue operation and preserve system integrity. As a result, high-assurance computing technology not only seeks to improves system reliability, but can directly affect pubic safety and national defense.
A group of multidisciplinary faculty across the campus of Michigan State University are working together to investigate many dimensions of high assurance computing systems, including homeland security-related activities, critical infrastructure protection, ecological monitoring, security and reliability of the cyberinfrastructure.