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

Bell featured on the Siemens Energy podcast to discuss cybersecurity and the energy transition

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
Bell featured on the Siemens Energy podcast to discuss cybersecurity and the energy transition

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
Bell featured on the Siemens Energy podcast to discuss cybersecurity and the energy transition

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

In the News

Dec 2, 2021

Bell featured on the Siemens Energy podcast to discuss cybersecurity and the energy transition
Cybersecurity

Article

Nov 30, 2021

Improving Cybersecurity Outcomes in the Telecommunications Sector

By Tasha Jhangiani and Frances Schroeder

From Internet service providers (ISPs) to cable companies, the telecommunications industry facilitates rapid and widespread communication across the globe. With recent increases in cyber attacks, telecommunications firms have been affected by cyber threats more than ever before. Due to the significant amount of private information that is shared and stored through the critical networks they […]

Cybersecurity Technology & Innovation

UkraineAlert

Nov 27, 2021

Vladimir Putin’s Ukraine obsession could spark a major European war

By Andriy Zagorodnyuk, Alexander Khara

Russian President Vladimir Putin's Ukraine obsession could spark the largest European conflict since WWII. With Russian troops massed on the Ukrainian border, Western leaders must demonstrate their readiness to back Ukraine and impose crushing costs on the Kremlin.

Conflict Cybersecurity

Issue Brief

Nov 23, 2021

Competing data governance models threaten the free flow of information and hamper world trade

By Hung Tran

The EU framework is comprehensive and puts a strong emphasis on the protection of personal data both from the government and private companies. It also establishes that EU citizens’ data can be transferred only to countries with an adequate privacy protection regime (adequacy to be determined by the European Commission).

China Cybersecurity

Report

Nov 15, 2021

Data rules for machine learning: How Europe can unlock the potential while mitigating the risks

By Blanka Soulava, Hamish Cameron and Victoria Ying

Artificial intelligence (AI) will increasingly shape societies and the global economy. Machine learning—which is responsible for the vast majority of AI advancements—is enhancing the way businesses and governments make decisions, develop products, and deliver services. How will the European Union unlock the potential of AI, while mitigating the risks?

Cybersecurity Digital Policy

In the News

Nov 12, 2021

Eftimiades in the New Delhi Times on password theft

By Atlantic Council

Forward Defense nonresident senior fellow Nicholas Eftimiades speaks in the New Delhi Times on the theft of passwords by hacking groups.

China Cybersecurity

In-Depth Research & Reports

Nov 8, 2021

Surveillance Technology at the Fair: Proliferation of Cyber Capabilities in International Arms Markets

By Winnona DeSombre, Lars Gjesvik, and Johann Ole Willers

Nation-state cyber capabilities are increasingly abiding by the “pay-to-play” model—both US/NATO allies and adversaries can purchase interception and intrusion technologies from private firms for intelligence and surveillance purposes. This paper analyzes active providers of interception/intrusion capabilities, as well as the primary arms fairs at which these players operate. The answers to these questions will allow policymakers to better understand the proliferation of cyber capabilities in the hands of irresponsible corporate actors that presents an urgent challenge to national and global security.

Arms Control Cybersecurity

BelarusAlert

Nov 3, 2021

Is Lukashenka mimicking Putin’s weaponization of organized crime?

By Brian Whitmore

As he becomes more and more dependent on the Kremlin, is Belarus dictator Alyaksandr Lukashenka now also adopting the Putin regime's practice of using organized crime as an instrument of statecraft?

Belarus Cybersecurity

Report

Nov 2, 2021

Deterring Chinese strategic attack: Grappling with the implications of China’s strategic forces buildup

By Matthew Kroenig

To counter the increasing threat from China’s assertive foreign policy and growing nuclear capabilities, Matthew Kroenig outlines a strategy for Washington and allies to reliably deter Chinese strategic attack.

China Cybersecurity

In the News

Oct 30, 2021

Eftimiades in Voice of America on FBI raid on Chinese company

By Atlantic Council

FD NRSF Nicholas Eftimiades quoted in Voice of America on the FBI’s raid on the Chinese point-of-sale device company PAX Global Technology.

China Cybersecurity
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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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