Recent analysis

Why this former Finnish president wants a new European spy agency

Report Jun 25, 2025

Crash (exploit) and burn: Securing the offensive cyber supply chain to counter China in cyberspace 

By Winnona DeSombre Bernsen

If the United States wishes to compete in cyberspace, it must compete against China to secure its offensive cyber supply chain.
China Cybersecurity
Why this former Finnish president wants a new European spy agency

New Atlanticist Jun 5, 2025

Cyberattacks are hurting US businesses. Here’s how Congress can upgrade cybersecurity information sharing.

By Tanner Wilburn, Sara Ann Brackett, and Urmita Chowdhury

Hackers are targeting small and medium-sized businesses, and the existing framework for sharing important information is leaving these US companies out of the loop.
Cybersecurity Economy & Business
Why this former Finnish president wants a new European spy agency

Russia Tomorrow May 20, 2025

Unpacking Russia’s cyber nesting doll

By Justin Sherman

The latest report in the Atlantic Council’s Russia Tomorrow series explores Russia’s wartime cyber operations and broader cyber web.
Cybersecurity Digital Policy

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

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

Balkans Debrief

Oct 1, 2024

How do cyber-attacks threaten the Balkans? | A Debrief with Dan Ilazi and Filip Stojanovski

Senior Fellow Ilva Tare speaks with Dan Ilazi and Filip Stojanovski about the political and economic threats of cyber-attacks for the Western Balkans.

Cybersecurity European Union

In the News

Sep 25, 2024

Dakota Cary’s research in WIRED on Chinese hacking competitions

Did Chinese college students conduct a government-backed cyberattack on a real world target?

China Cybersecurity

Report

Sep 9, 2024

Defense technology and innovation in Germany

By Sven Weizenegger

This paper explores the critical aspects of defense technology and innovation within the  German armed forces, detailing the necessity for innovation, the role of defense innovation hubs (specifically the Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub CIHBw), the significance of software-defined defense, the contribution of venture capitalists, and the importance of a  supportive legal framework. 

Cybersecurity Defense Industry
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Experts

Fellow

Andrea Rigoni

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security Transatlantic Security Initiative

Cybersecurity Digital Policy

Fellow

Trevor H. Rudolph

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoTech Center

Cybersecurity Europe & Eurasia

Staff

Audrey Roh

Program Assistant

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Cybersecurity Japan

Fellow

Yasmine Abdillahi

Nonresident Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Cybersecurity

Fellow

Chinmayi Sharma

Nonresident Fellow

Cyber Statecraft Initiative

Cybersecurity Digital Policy

Staff

Urmita Chowdhury

Assistant Director, Trainings and Competitions

Cyber Statecraft Initiative

Bengali Cybersecurity
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