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The 5×5 series by the Cyber Statecraft Initiative features five experts answering five questions on a common theme, trend, or current event in the world of cyber.

Editions

The 5×5

Jun 20, 2023

The 5×5—Cyber conflict in international relations: A scholar’s perspective

By Simon Handler

Leading scholars provide insights on cyber conflict’s role in international relations, how the topic can best be taught to students, and how scholars and policymakers can better incorporate each other’s perspectives.

Cybersecurity National Security

The 5×5

May 30, 2023

The 5×5—Cross-community perspectives on cyber threat intelligence and policy

By Simon Handler

Individuals with experience from the worlds of cyber threat intelligence and cyber policy share their insights and career advice.

Cybersecurity Intelligence

The 5×5

May 3, 2023

The 5×5—Cryptocurrency hacking’s geopolitical and cyber implications

By Simon Handler

Experts explore the cybersecurity implications of cryptocurrencies, and how the United States and its allies should approach this challenge.

Cybersecurity Digital Currencies

The 5×5

Mar 22, 2023

The 5×5—Conflict in Ukraine’s information environment

By Simon Handler

Experts provide insights on the war being waged through the Ukrainian information environment and take away lessons for the future.

Conflict Cybersecurity

The 5×5

Feb 23, 2023

The 5×5—Strengthening the cyber workforce

By Simon Handler

Experts provide insights into ways for the United States and its allies to bolster their cyber workforces.

Cybersecurity Education

The 5×5

Jan 30, 2023

The 5×5—China’s cyber operations

By Simon Handler

Experts provide insights into China’s cyber behavior, its structure, and how its operations differ from those of other states.

China Cybersecurity

The 5×5

Dec 14, 2022

The 5×5—The cyber year in review

By Simon Handler

A group of experts reviews the highs and lows of the year in cybersecurity and look forward to 2023. 

Cybersecurity Internet

Conflict, Risk, and Tech

Nov 16, 2022

The 5×5—The rise of cyber surveillance and the Access-as-a-Service industry

By Simon Handler

Experts discuss the rise of cyber surveillance and the impact of the Access-as-a-Service industry on the United States and its allies.

Cybersecurity Intelligence

The 5×5

Oct 26, 2022

The 5×5—Non-state armed groups in cyber conflict

By Simon Handler

Five experts from various backgrounds assess the emerging threats posed by non-state armed groups in cyber conflict.

Conflict Cybersecurity

The 5×5

Sep 28, 2022

The 5×5—The Internet of Things and national security

By Simon Handler

Five experts from various backgrounds assess the national security challenges posed by IoT and discuss potential solutions.

Cybersecurity Digital Policy
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The Atlantic Council’s Cyber Statecraft Initiative, part of the Atlantic Council Technology Programs, works at the nexus of geopolitics and cybersecurity to craft strategies to help shape the conduct of statecraft and to better inform and secure users of technology.

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Content

The 5x5

Oct 23, 2024

The 5×5—The evolving role of CISOs and senior cybersecurity executives

By Nitansha Bansal

For this Cybersecurity Awareness Month, senior cybersecurity executives share their insights into the evolution of their roles.

Cybersecurity

The 5x5

May 1, 2024

The 5×5—The XZ backdoor: Trust and open source software

By Nitansha Bansal, Stewart Scott

Open source software security experts share their insights into the XZ backdoor, and what it means for open source software security.

Cybersecurity

The 5x5

Feb 28, 2024

The 5×5—Alumni perspectives on Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge

By Nitansha Bansal, Isabella Wright

Alumni of Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge share their experiences, and discuss the impact of such simulated exercises to prepare for real life cyber attacks.

Cybersecurity

The 5x5

Jan 24, 2024

The 5×5—Forewarned is forearmed: Cybersecurity policy in 2024

By Nitansha Bansal, Trey Herr

Members of the Cyber Statecraft Initiative team discuss the regulatory requirements and emerging technology they are closely following in 2024, and forewarn of the year ahead.

Cybersecurity

The 5x5

Dec 13, 2023

The 5×5—2023: The cybersecurity year in review

By Simon Handler

A group of Atlantic Council fellows review the past year in cybersecurity, which organizations and initiatives made positive steps, and areas for improvement going forward. 

Cybersecurity National Security

The 5x5

Nov 29, 2023

The 5×5—Veteran perspectives on cyber workforce development

By Simon Handler, Nitansha Bansal

In honor of National Military Veterans and Families Month, a group of veterans discuss their transitions from the military to the cyber workforce and suggest ways to improve the process for others. 

Cybersecurity National Security

The 5x5

Oct 27, 2023

The 5×5—The cybersecurity implications of artificial intelligence

By Maia Hamin, Simon Handler

A group of experts with diverse perspectives discusses the intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity

The 5x5

Sep 20, 2023

The 5×5—Bridging the divide: Cyber conflict in international relations

By Simon Handler

Researchers discuss the relationship between the cyber policy and academic communities, and share their advice for those interested in breaking into each community.

Cybersecurity National Security

The 5x5

Aug 21, 2023

The 5×5—Cloud risks and critical infrastructure

By Simon Handler

Experts share their perspectives on the challenges facing cloud infrastructure and how policy can encourage better security and risk governance across this critical sector.

Cybersecurity Infrastructure Protection

The 5x5

Aug 3, 2023

The 5×5—Cyber conflict in international relations: A policymaker’s perspective

By Simon Handler

Current and former policymakers address cyber conflict’s fundamental place in international relations, their recommended readings, and ideas for how policymakers and scholars can more effectively engage one another.

Cybersecurity National Security
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