Team Orlando experts provide insights on XR, cybersecurity and the ATO process

By Cassidy Mills, Staff Writer

 

The Central Florida Tech Grove hosted the 3rd Annual VR/AR Association (VRARA) Central Florida Immersive Technology Summit in Orlando, Florida, April 10.

 

This conference and technology expo for government and business leaders event focused on immersive technologies, and it featured representatives from Team Orlando’s military services on the “XR in Space Exploration, Manufacturing and Defense” panel. Participating in the panel were Andrew Preston, director of cybersecurity at Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD), and Dan Daniels, Ph.D., chief information security officer for Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI).

 

The primary discussion centered on how extended reality (XR) is becoming an essential tool for training, simulation and design as industries such as defense, space exploration and manufacturing increasingly adopt immersive technologies.

 

Preston said XR plays a significant role in enhancing operational capabilities and supporting advanced simulation systems that train military personnel and industry professionals in complex environments.

 

“XR technologies are already transforming the way we approach training and mission readiness,” Preston said. “By using immersive tools, we can simulate scenarios that are both highly realistic and cost effective, preparing teams for everything from critical military operations to space missions.”

 

Daniels emphasized the importance of integrating robust security protocols into XR environments, particularly as their use expands in sensitive sectors like defense. With cybersecurity becoming increasingly critical in the era of advanced technologies, ensuring the security of XR systems remains an ongoing challenge.

 

“The integration of XR into critical systems – whether in military training, manufacturing or space exploration – requires a multifaceted approach to cybersecurity,” Daniels said. “It’s essential to safeguard against potential vulnerabilities that could compromise not just the technology itself, but the broader systems in which they operate.”

 

The panel agreed that the pace of technological innovation often outstrips the security measures in place to protect those systems. Daniels said XR devices, often reliant on internet connectivity and data-sharing, can expose sensitive information to hacking or unauthorized access if not properly secured.

 

“We can’t afford to prioritize innovation over security,” Daniels said. “While the potential of XR is immense, its widespread use across the military and other sectors necessitates the highest level of security protocols. This is an ongoing challenge that requires constant collaboration between industry experts, cybersecurity professionals and government agencies.”

 

As the panel concluded, the members emphasized the importance of collaboration across government, military and academic sectors to create comprehensive security frameworks that can adapt to the rapid evolution of XR technologies.