Agencies Share Guidance on Foreign Threats at U.S. Colleges

"For example, the 40-page "Safeguarding Academia" bulletin in part encourages colleges and researchers to be transparent about who else is involved in a research project, noting that failing to disclose foreign collaborations could lead to sanctions. The agencies urged researchers to do their due diligence on any potential collaborators and outlined other cybersecurity best practices."

""Protecting the integrity of U.S. research-while fostering international collaboration-is critical to maintaining a robust and secure research ecosystem," the bulletin states. "Striking this balance is essential to preserving academic freedom, safeguarding researchers' lifework, and ensuring that innovation continues to thrive in a secure and principled manner.""

"James Cangialosi, the acting director at the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, added in a statement that while American colleges conduct research key to the country's global competitiveness and national security, "foreign adversaries are increasingly exploiting the open and collaborative environment of U.S. academic institutions for their own gain." "Today's bulletin highlights this evolving security threat and provides mitigation strategies that academic institutions can implement to better protect their research, their institutions, as well as their staff and students," Cangialosi said. "With the new school year starting, it's critical to get these materials in the hands of academic institutions now.""

Federal intelligence agencies and the Education Department warned American colleges and universities about increasing foreign threats to research and urged stronger protections. Agencies encouraged transparency about collaborators and warned that failing to disclose foreign partnerships could result in sanctions. Agencies recommended rigorous due diligence on potential collaborators and adoption of cybersecurity best practices. Officials emphasized protecting the integrity of U.S. research while fostering international collaboration to maintain a robust, secure research ecosystem and preserve academic freedom. The acting director at the National Counterintelligence and Security Center warned that foreign adversaries increasingly exploit the open, collaborative academic environment and recommended mitigation strategies timed for the new school year.

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