Programs

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.

Content

Capacity Building Initiative

Nov 20, 2024

Seizing the win: Navigating competition and hands-on learning through Cyber 9/12 

By Safa Shahwan Edwards and Emerson Johnston

Competitors and judges from the inaugural Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge in Costa Rica share their perspectives on how to leverage teamwork and interdisciplinary skills to address tomorrow’s cyber challenges.

Cybersecurity Latin America

UkraineAlert

Nov 7, 2024

The West must respond to Russia’s rapidly escalating hybrid warfare

By Doug Livermore

Russia's hybrid war against the West is escalating rapidly and requires a far firmer collective response, writes Doug Livermore.

Conflict Cybersecurity

Fast Thinking

Nov 5, 2024

What to know about foreign meddling in the US election

By Atlantic Council

Our experts explain the foreign malign interference operations targeting the 2024 US elections and how they might continue after Election Day.

China Cybersecurity

New Atlanticist

Nov 5, 2024

Why this former Finnish president wants a new European spy agency

By Piotr Arak

One notable recommendation in a new report by former President of Finland Sauli Niinistö is the creation of a unified EU intelligence service.

Cybersecurity Disinformation

Conflict, Risk, and Tech

Nov 4, 2024

Take the bribe but watch your back: Why Russia imprisoned a security officer for taking cybercriminal payoffs 

By Justin Sherman

Russia imprisoned a security service officer for taking bribes from cybercriminals—showing not a willingness to crack down on cybercrime, but instead just how much the Kremlin wants to maintain its cybercrime protection racket.

Cybersecurity Russia

In the News

Oct 29, 2024

Eftimiades interviewed for France TV documentary on China’s espionage and transnational repression

By Atlantic Council

In 2024, Forward Defense Nonresident Senior Fellow Nicholas Eftimiades was interviewed for an award-winning documentary by France Télévisions on Chinese espionage and transnational repression efforts.

China Cybersecurity

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

Issue Brief

Oct 21, 2024

Finding security in digital public infrastructure

By Justin Sherman

As governments worldwide adopt Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), the need for robust cybersecurity and privacy protections has never been greater. This paper delves into the critical risks and opportunities associated with securing DPI systems. With examples from India, Ukraine, and other nations, it explores how governments are managing data privacy, addressing cyber threats, and building trust in digital services. The paper highlights key considerations for policymakers, including the balance between openness and security, the role of encryption, and the importance of resilience in digital systems. As more nations turn to DPI, ensuring the safety and privacy of citizens' data is essential to creating sustainable, trustworthy digital infrastructures.

Cybersecurity India
Virtual creative lock symbol and microcircuit illustration on flag of China and blurry cityscape background. Protection and firewall concept.

Report

Oct 18, 2024

Capture the (red) flag: An inside look into China’s hacking contest ecosystem

By Dakota Cary and Eugenio Benincasa

China has built the world’s most comprehensive ecosystem for capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions—the predominant form of hacking competitions, which range from team-versus-team play to Jeopardy-style knowledge challenges.

China Cybersecurity

AfricaSource

Oct 7, 2024

Effective cybersecurity in Africa must start with the basics

By Yasmine Abdillahi

Grand strategies and policies often lack practicality, especially for African firms with limited capacity. For them, core and basic practices are often easier to achieve.

Africa Cybersecurity

Experts

Events