The Cyber Statecraft Initiative works at the nexus of geopolitics, technology, and security to craft strategies to help shape the conduct of statecraft and to better inform and secure users. This work extends through the competition of state and non-state actors, the security of the internet and computing systems, the safety of operational technology and physical systems, and the communities of cyberspace. The Initiative convenes a diverse network of passionate and knowledgeable contributors, bridging the gap among technical, policy, and user communities.

Our work

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.

Team

Fellows

Publications

The 5×5

Jan 30, 2023

The 5×5—China’s cyber operations

By Simon Handler

Experts provide insights into China’s cyber behavior, its structure, and how its operations differ from those of other states.

China
Cybersecurity

Uncategorized

Jan 4, 2023

2023 DC Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge

By Cyber Statecraft Initiative

The Atlantic Council’s Cyber Statecraft Initiative, in partnership with American University’s School of International Service and Washington College of Law, will hold the eleventh annual Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge both virtually and in-person in Washington, DC on March 17-18, 2023. For the first time in the competition’s history, we will be hosting a hybrid event. Teams […]

Cybersecurity

The 5×5

Dec 14, 2022

The 5×5—The cyber year in review

By Simon Handler

A group of experts reviews the highs and lows of the year in cybersecurity and look forward to 2023. 

Cybersecurity
Internet

Issue Brief

Dec 12, 2022

Wargaming to find a safe port in a cyber storm

By Daniel Grobarcik, William Loomis, Michael Poznansky, Frank Smith

With the Maritime Transportation System increasingly reliant on cyberspace, how can cybersecurity be improved within key nodes of this critical infrastructure, particularly cargo ports?

Cybersecurity
Maritime Security

Issue Brief

Nov 22, 2022

The cases for using the SBOMs we build

By Amelie Koran, Wendy Nather, Stewart Scott, and Sara Ann Brackett

Software bills of materials (SBOMs) provide key data suit for many uses. Industry and government can continue to sharpen their demand signals, shape implementation, and continue driving development and adoption.

Cybersecurity
Technology & Innovation

Conflict, Risk, and Tech

Nov 18, 2022

GRU 26165: The Russian cyber unit that hacks targets on-site

By Justin Sherman

Russian hackers are not always breaching targets from afar, typing on their keyboards in Moscow bunkers or St. Petersburg apartment buildings. Enter GRU Unit 26165, a military cyber unit with hackers operating remotely and on-site. Going forward, Western intelligence and law enforcement personnel, as well as multinational organizations, would be wise to pay attention. 

Cybersecurity
Russia

Conflict, Risk, and Tech

Nov 16, 2022

The 5×5—The rise of cyber surveillance and the Access-as-a-Service industry

By Simon Handler

Experts discuss the rise of cyber surveillance and the impact of the Access-as-a-Service industry on the United States and its allies.

Cybersecurity
Intelligence

Report

Nov 7, 2022

The cyber strategy and operations of Hamas: Green flags and green hats

By Simon Handler

This report seeks to highlight Hamas as an emerging and capable cyber actor, and help the policy community understand how similar non-state groups may leverage the cyber domain in the future.

Conflict
Cybersecurity

The 5×5

Oct 26, 2022

The 5×5—Non-state armed groups in cyber conflict

By Simon Handler

Five experts from various backgrounds assess the emerging threats posed by non-state armed groups in cyber conflict.

Conflict
Cybersecurity

Issue Brief

Oct 17, 2022

China’s surveillance ecosystem and the global spread of its tools

By Bulelani Jili

This paper seeks to offer insights into how China’s domestic surveillance market and cyber capability ecosystem operate, especially given the limited number of systematic studies that have analyzed its industry objectives.

Cybersecurity

Events


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.

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