Dr. Mitch Crosswait Highlights Cyber Purple Teaming at Embry-Riddle Aerospace Cybersecurity Symposium

Dr. Mitch Crosswait served as a keynote speaker at this year’s Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Aerospace Cybersecurity Symposium, where he highlighted the importance of cyber purple teaming to protect critical space missions. He shared how realistic threat emulation, paired with close collaboration between offensive and defensive cyber teams, strengthened tools, tactics, and mission assurance.

Dr. Crosswait joined MTSI in August 2025 after retiring as a Senior Executive in the Department of Defense, where he served as Deputy Director of Operational Test and Evaluation. In that role, he oversaw Net-Centric, Space, and Missile Defense Systems and managed the Department’s Cyber Assessment Program. His national security career began in 1984 as a Naval Reactors junior officer contributing to the design of the Seawolf-class attack submarine. He later held senior leadership roles across the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Senate Armed Services Committee staff.

At MTSI, Dr. Crosswait focuses on building the Space Force’s first cyber “purple team,” helping ensure space systems remain resilient and well-defended against evolving cyber threats.