In-Depth Research & Reports

A synthesis of technical systems and policy dynamics, cybersecurity demands detailed understanding to create meaningful change. These reports dig deep into the concepts and assumptions that shape the geopolitics of cybersecurity.

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In-Depth Research & Reports

In-Depth Research & Reports Oct 4, 2021

A system of systems: Cooperation on maritime cybersecurity

By William Loomis, Virpratap Vikram Singh, Dr. Gary C. Kessler, Dr. Xavier Bellekens

The MTS is not monolithic; it is a markedly complex “system of systems.” This section segments the MTS into three discrete systems—ships, ports, and cargo—each with its own life cycle, in order to highlight areas of risk and leverage for policy makers and the industry.
Cybersecurity Maritime Security
In-Depth Research & Reports

Report Mar 29, 2021

Broken trust: Lessons from Sunburst

By Trey Herr, Will Loomis, Emma Schroeder, Stewart Scott, Simon Handler, and Tianjiu Zuo

The story of trust is an old one, but the Sunburst cyber-espionage campaign was a startling reminder of the United States’ collective cyber insecurity and the inadequacy of current US strategy to compete in a dynamic intelligence contest in cyberspace.
Cybersecurity Intelligence
In-Depth Research & Reports

Report Aug 31, 2020

Four myths about the cloud: The geopolitics of cloud computing

By Trey Herr

Cloud computing providers are more than companies—they govern vast utility infrastructure, play host to digital battlefields, and are magnificent engines of complexity. Cloud computing is embedded in contemporary geopolitics; the choices providers make are influenced by, and influential on, the behavior of states. In competition and cooperation, cloud computing is the canvas on which states conduct significant political, security, and economic activity.
Cybersecurity Internet

All in-depth research & reports

Issue Brief

May 3, 2018

Innovation on cyber collaboration: Leverage at scale

By Jason Healey

In cybersecurity, it is time to go beyond sharing and ad hoc cooperation, to collaboration at scale across borders, stakeholders, and sectors. This effort should begin with a determined study of the responses to past incidents and how to improve them, then proceed to new, action-oriented Cyber Incident Collaboration Organizations (CICO) to streamline response.

Cybersecurity English

Issue Brief

May 3, 2018

Innovation on cyber collaboration: Leverage at scale

By Jason Healey

In cybersecurity, it is time to go beyond sharing and ad hoc cooperation, to collaboration at scale across borders, stakeholders, and sectors. This effort should begin with a determined study of the responses to past incidents and how to improve them, then proceed to new, action-oriented Cyber Incident Collaboration Organizations (CICO) to streamline response.

Cybersecurity English

Report

Nov 7, 2017

Aviation cybersecurity—Finding lift, minimizing drag

By Pete Cooper

The aviation industry is faced with a complex and critical challenge to carefully balance costs with evolving business imperatives, customer demands, and safety standards.

Cybersecurity English

Issue Brief

Apr 7, 2017

Confronting transatlantic cybersecurity challenges in the internet of things

By Beau Woods

In 2016, a series of highly impactful and publicized disruptions provided a wake-up call to societies on both sides of the Atlantic making obvious their dependence on inherently unpredictable technology. Just before the year began, a targeted attack disrupted the Ukrainian energy grid, forcing its operators to fall back on decades-old manual processes, and a […]

Cybersecurity English

Issue Brief

Apr 7, 2017

Confronting transatlantic cybersecurity challenges in the internet of things

By Beau Woods

Beau Woods authors 'Confronting Transatlantic Cybersecurity Challenges in the Internet of Things,' in which he explains how the society is only one cyber crisis away from proving how unimaginative policy makers have been.

Cybersecurity English

Atlantic Council Strategy Paper Series

Jan 10, 2017

A nonstate strategy for saving cyberspace

By Jason Healey

America’s future, and that of other nations and peoples, will be most secure in the long term with an emphasis on future prosperity unlocked by the Internet. Prosperity for the United States and the global economy is only assured if the United States and like-minded nations, civil society, and other nonstate actors all work toward a goal of making defense easier than attack.

Cybersecurity Technology & Innovation

Report

Jan 3, 2017

Cyber and Deterrence

By Franklin D. Kramer, Robert J. Butler, and Catherine Lotrionte

Last year, the Barack Obama administration issued PPD-41, “Cyber Incident Protection,” setting forth cyber security incident roles and missions for federal agencies but with no explicit reference to the Department of Defense (DoD). By contrast, the DoD Cyber Strategy provides that DoD will be prepared to “defend the U.S. homeland and U.S. vital interests from […]

Cybersecurity English

Issue Brief

Mar 30, 2016

Smart Homes and the Internet of Things

By Greg Lindsay, Beau Woods, and Joshua Corman

Read the Publication (PDF) The Internet of Things (IoT) is the next step in the evolution of wireless networks. Analysts predict the IoT will double in size to nearly 50 billion devices by 2020, comprising a $1.7 trillion market. One of the greatest opportunities still lies ahead in the form of the “smart home.”  

Cybersecurity Security & Defense

Report

Sep 10, 2015

Risk Nexus: Overcome by cyber risks? Economic benefits and costs of alternate cyber futures

By Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security, Zurich Insurance Group, and The University of Denver’s Pardee Center on International Futures

In 2030, will the Internet and related information and communications technologies (ICTs) continue to drive global innovation and prosperity? Or will that bright promise be swamped by an unstable and insecure Internet, so overwhelmed by non-stop attacks that it has become an increasing drag on economic growth? The answers, as far as we can predict, […]

Cybersecurity Security & Defense

Report

Mar 18, 2015

The Healthcare Internet of Things: Rewards and Risks

By Jason Healey, Neal Pollard, and Beau Woods

The Internet of Things of digital, networked technology is quickly moving to the forefront of society, the global economy, and the human experience. Individuals wear networked devices to learn more about themselves, their diet, their exercise regimen, and their vital signs. Doctors can adjust and optimize implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers, quickly and accurately—and […]

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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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