Cybersecurity

In cyberspace, adversaries are growing more sophisticated and outpacing advancements in policy, education, and defense technologies. In an era of great-power competition, it is vital that policy makers and tech experts understand the underlying factors and motivations impacting the field of cybersecurity. With a focus on strategy and foresight, the Atlantic Council shifts attention from singular incidents to better understand larger cyber campaigns.

Recent analysis

<img decoding="async" src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2025-07-02T123008Z_804522653_RC2CEFA32B8I_RTRMADP_3_USA-CONGRESS-TAX-scaled-e1769717979711-500x350.jpg" alt="Regional cyber powers are banking on a wired future. Expanding the Abraham Accords to cybersecurity will help.” class=”gta-horizontal-featured–img” />

Report Jan 29, 2026

The US needs a cybersecurity roadmap

By Franklin D. Kramer, Robert J. Butler, and Melanie J. Teplinsky

A national cybersecurity strategy will require an operational road map.
Cybersecurity Security & Defense
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Report Sep 30, 2025

404 Accountability not found: Spyware accountability through software liability

By Sara Ann Brackett, Jen Roberts

This report proposes a legislative safe harbor framework that would incentivize technology companies to engage in spyware accountability.
Cybersecurity United Kingdom
<img decoding="async" src="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Mythical-beasts-cover-500x350.png" alt="Regional cyber powers are banking on a wired future. Expanding the Abraham Accords to cybersecurity will help.” class=”gta-horizontal-featured–img” />

Issue Brief Sep 10, 2025

Mythical Beasts: Diving into the depths of the global spyware market

By Sarah Graham, Jen Roberts, and Nitansha Bansal

The second edition of the Mythical Beasts project assess how the global spyware market has developed and changed over the past year.
Cybersecurity

Programs

The Atlantic Council Technology Programs comprises five existing efforts—the Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab), the GeoTech Center, the Cyber Statecraft Initiative, the Democracy + Tech Initiative, and the Capacity Building Initiative. These operations work together to address the geopolitical implications of technology and provide policymakers and global stakeholders necessary research, insights, and convenings to address challenges around global technology and ensure its responsible advancement.

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Content

MENASource

May 19, 2023

Regional cyber powers are banking on a wired future. <strong>Expanding the Abraham Accords to cybersecurity will help</strong>.

By Thomas S. Warrick

The Abraham Accord countries face threats from hostile actors, and defending their technology and their peoples is a challenge.

Cybersecurity Iran

Issue Brief

May 15, 2023

What is driving the adoption of Chinese surveillance technology in Africa?

By Bulelani Jili

When examining the proliferation of Chinese surveillance systems and cyber capabilities in Africa, research disproportionately focuses on the motivations and ambitions of the supplier. This perspective, while it highlights Chinese diplomatic ambitions and corporate opportunities, ignores local features that drive the adoption of Chinese surveillance tools.

Africa China

The 5x5

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

Econographics

Apr 24, 2023

<strong>Practice makes perfect: What China wants from its digital currency in 2023</strong>

By Ananya Kumar

The e-CNY network has expanded over the last year, and China's goals have only become clearer. Domestically, the People’s Bank of China is still in test-and-learn mode, globally, China is more focused on setting defining international standards.

China Cybersecurity

UkraineAlert

Apr 20, 2023

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is also being fought in cyberspace

By Vera Mironova

While the war in Ukraine often resembles the trench warfare of the twentieth century, the battle for cyber dominance is highly innovative and offers insights into the future of international aggression, writes Vera Mironova.

Conflict Cybersecurity

Issue Brief

Apr 19, 2023

Critical infrastructure cybersecurity prioritization: <strong>A cross-sector methodology for ranking operational technology cyber scenarios and critical entities</strong>

By Danielle Jablanski

As critical infrastructure becomes increasingly targeted by malicious adversaries, how can we effectively prioritize criticality?

Cybersecurity
A Ukrainian artillery unit operates from muddy trenches near the frontline during heavy fighting close to Bakhmut, Ukraine, April 13, 2023. (Source: Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach)

New Atlanticist

Apr 14, 2023

Russian War Report: Russian army presses on in Bakhmut despite losses

By Digital Forensic Research Lab

Bakhmut remains a major conflict zone with dozens of attacks on Ukrainian forces there, despite Russian forces sustaining heavy losses.

Conflict Cybersecurity

New Atlanticist

Mar 31, 2023

Banning TikTok alone will not solve the problem of US data security

By Jonathan Panikoff

TikTok is just a symptom of a much bigger problem involving China-based technology. Here are some steps US policymakers can take now.

China Cybersecurity

New Atlanticist

Mar 29, 2023

What to expect from the world’s democratic tech alliance as the Summit for Democracy unfolds

By Katherine Golden

Ahead of the Biden administration’s second Summit for Democracy, stakeholders from the Freedom Online Coalition gave a sneak peek at what to expect on the global effort to protect online rights and freedoms.

Cybersecurity Democratic Transitions

Transcript

Mar 28, 2023

Wendy Sherman on the United States’ priorities as it takes the helm of the Freedom Online Coalition

By Atlantic Council

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman outlined the priorities for the world's democratic tech alliance, from protecting fundamental freedoms online to building resilience against digital authoritarianism.

Cybersecurity Disinformation
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Experts

Fellow

Yasmine Abdillahi

Nonresident Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Cybersecurity

Fellow

Michael Allen

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Cybersecurity

Fellow

Victor Atkins

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Crisis Management Cybersecurity

Staff

Nitansha Bansal

Associate Director

Cyber Statecraft Initiative

Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity

Fellow

Tyson Barker

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Europe Center

Cybersecurity Digital Policy

Fellow

Ryan Berger

Nonresident Fellow

Global China Hub

Americas Cybersecurity
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