The University of Arizona has received $1.5 million from the National Science Foundation to combat cyberthreats affecting science.
The term "ransomware" brings to mind someone who extorts money for unblocking, or not publishing, private data.
But intellectual property, too, is vulnerable to shakedowns.
Beyond pilfering trade secrets, hackers can seize control of scientific instruments, data and technology.
An almost $1 million NSF grant will support analyzing and securing such facilities, which can be especially vulnerable as scientists engage in open collaboration.
NSF also has provided UA a $500,000 grant to collect and evaluate data on hacking threats emerging in China and Russia.
