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.

Content

Issue Brief

Mar 1, 2021

A primer on the proliferation of offensive cyber capabilities

By Winnona DeSombre, Michele Campobasso, Dr. Luca Allodi, Dr. James Shires, JD Work, Robert Morgus, Patrick Howell O’Neill, and Dr. Trey Herr

Offensive cyber capabilities run the gamut from sophisticated, long-term disruptions of physical infrastructure to malware used to target human rights journalists. As these capabilities continue to proliferate with increasing complexity and to new types of actors, the imperative to slow and counter their spread only strengthens.

Arms Control Conflict

Report

Mar 1, 2021

Countering cyber proliferation: Zeroing in on Access-as-a-Service

By Winnona DeSombre, James Shires, JD Work, Robert Morgus, Patrick Howell O’Neill, Luca Allodi, and Trey Herr

The proliferation of offensive cyber capabilities (OCC) presents an expanding set of risks to states and challenges commitments to protect openness, security, and stability in cyberspace. Access as a Service firms offer various forms of “access” to target data or systems, and through these business practices are creating and selling OCC at an alarming rate. It is imperative that governments reevaluate their approach to countering the proliferation of OCC.

Arms Control Cybersecurity

UkraineAlert

Feb 26, 2021

Why Ukraine sanctioned Putin’s ally Medvedchuk

By Andriy Yermak

Ukraine has introduced a number of measures during February 2021 to restrict the influence of Vladimir Putin's closest Ukrainian ally, Viktor Medvedchuk.

Conflict Disinformation

Event Recap

Feb 24, 2021

Event recap | Synthetic data, privacy, and the future of trust

By the GeoTech Center

A live GeoTech Hour where panelists discussedartificial intelligence and how to address the legal and ethical privacy concerns associated with synthetic data.

Africa Coronavirus

Event Recap

Feb 23, 2021

Event recap | Information warfare: An all-domain military and civil deception, from today to 2030

By Inkoo Kang

A discussion hosted by NDIA where panelists debate the evolving nature of "information warfare" and how advanced technologies are blurring the lines between military and civilian deception operations.

Defense Technologies Political Reform
AlertaVenezuela email banner

#AlertaVenezuela

Feb 23, 2021

#AlertaVenezuela: February 23, 2021

By Atlantic Council's DFRLab

While Maduro's regime promoted diplomat Alex Saab, online accounts showed suspicious behavior using #FreeAlexSaab.

Disinformation Venezuela

UkraineAlert

Feb 22, 2021

Ukraine’s booming IT sector defies the coronavirus crisis

By Peter Dickinson

While businesses around the world are counting the cost of a year disrupted by the unprecedented challenges of the COVID crisis, Ukraine’s IT sector continues to go from strength to strength.

Coronavirus Economy & Business

In the News

Feb 19, 2021

Warrick quoted in Lawfare on Iranian information operations

Cybersecurity Disinformation

In the News

Feb 19, 2021

Warrick quoted in Lawfare on Iranian information operations

By Atlantic Council

On February 19, FD NRSF Thomas Warrick was quoted in a piece titled “How to Understand Iranian Information Operations.” In this piece, Warrick claims that Iran is using disinformation tactics as a retaliation tactic, asserting national power without direct escalation.

Defense Policy Disinformation

Event Recap

Feb 17, 2021

Event recap | Data-informed nutrition policy and practices

By the GeoTech Center

An episode of the GeoTech Hour where panelists discuss challenges and opportunities for data-informed nutrition solutions, and how a multisectoral approach can improve global health.

Climate Change & Climate Action Inclusive Growth

Experts

Events