The Secure Computing Institute (SCI) at NC State University stands at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, driving breakthrough research and translating discoveries into real-world impact across industry, government, and education.
Co-directed by Distinguished Professors Dr. William Enck and Dr. Laurie Williams, SCI unites experts from computer science, electrical and computer engineering, business, and education to address some of the most pressing cybersecurity challenges of our time.
Our Mission
The mission of the Secure Computing Institute (SCI) is to enhance the security and privacy of computing systems for the betterment of society through:
SCI brings together scholars with complementary expertise in computer science, electrical and computer engineering, business, education, and cybersecurity practice. Through this work, SCI broadens the scientific foundations of cybersecurity and translates research into practical technologies. The institute connects cybersecurity efforts across NC State, including the Department of Computer Science, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the Department of Business Management, and the College of Education.
Leadership
Co-director
William Enck
Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Security Sciences, Department of Computer Science.
Director of the Wolfpack Security and Privacy Research (WSPR) Lab.
Co-director
Laurie Williams
Goodnight Distinguished University Professor, Department of Computer Science.
Director of Secure Software Supply Chain Center (S3C2).
Research Labs & Initiatives
SCI connects specialized labs and initiatives that turn cybersecurity research into focused programs, partnerships, and student opportunities.
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WSPR Lab
Wolfpack Security and Privacy Research Lab. Faculty and students model, build, and validate protections for users, systems, networks, mobile devices, IoT, the web, and privacy.
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S3C2
Secure Software Supply Chain Center. NSF-funded research, education, metrics, tools, and community engagement for restoring trust in the software supply chain.
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HECTOR Lab
Hardware Cyberthreat Research Lab. Secure systems from the ground up through trusted computing, embedded security, post-quantum implementations, side channels, and fault defenses.
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BRAINSPEC
Brain-inspired AI and neurocomputing research for secure, power-efficient, and high-performance computer architecture and microarchitecture design.
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NC-PaCE
North Carolina Partnership for Cybersecurity Excellence. Cybersecurity education, practice, and workforce partnerships across North Carolina.
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AgDefenders Coalition
An NC-PaCE initiative helping farms, agribusinesses, and food systems build resilience against cybersecurity risks.
Research Overview
SCI research spans a broad set of security and privacy problems, from systems and software to networks, hardware, AI, cryptography, and human-centered work.
Recent News
Work With SCI
SCI connects research depth with practical cybersecurity needs across campus, industry, government, and the broader community.
- Industry partners can work with Laura Rodgers, SCI’s Director of Cybersecurity Practice, on applied projects, student engagement, workforce development, and connections through NC-PaCE and the Cybersecurity Practicum.
- Government and nonprofit partners can collaborate with SCI researchers on security challenges affecting public institutions, critical infrastructure, open-source ecosystems, digital safety, and applied programs such as the AgDefenders Coalition.
- Students can explore cybersecurity education pathways, scholarship programs, practicum projects, outreach opportunities, and research mentoring with SCI faculty.
- Faculty and research partners can connect through SCI’s research areas, labs, seminars, centers, proposals, and cross-department collaborations.
Employment Opportunities
- We welcome proposals for 1-credit, sophomore-level courses in the Cybersecurity Concentration. Interested instructors can complete the cybersecurity course proposal form.