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

Issue Brief

Aug 2, 2022

Behind the rise of ransomware

By John Sakellariadis

Between 2016 and 2019, cybercriminals shifted from automated ransomware campaigns that emphasized scale to targeted extortion operations against organizations. This adaption made ransomware more disruptive and more profitable, culminating in the 2021 surge in ransomware. Though the US government has devoted more attention to ransomware since 2021, ransomware remains a significant and long-term threat to the US economy.

Cybersecurity

Conflict, Risk, and Tech

Jul 25, 2022

Hackers, Hoodies, and Helmets: Technology and the changing face of Russian private military contractors

By Emma Schroeder, Gavin Wilde, Justin Sherman, and Trey Herr

This issue brief explores the technological capabilities of Russian private military companies and how they are used across various types of missions in support of and in parallel with Russian policy.

Africa
Cybersecurity

The 5×5

Jun 29, 2022

The 5×5—Cybercrime and national security

By Simon Handler, Liv Rowley

Five experts weigh in on emerging trends in cybercrime and their impacts on national security. 

Cybersecurity
Intelligence

Cyber 9/12 Project

Jun 27, 2022

Atlantic Council’s Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge expands to Scotland

The Abertay University cyberQuarter joins as a strategic partner for Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge, the world’s only multidisciplinary cyber competition. WASHINGTON DC – JUNE 27, 2022 – The Atlantic Council’s Cyber Statecraft Initiative, in partnership with the Scottish Government, Dewar Cyber Consulting, and Abertay University, will host the inaugural edition of the Cyber 9/12 Strategy […]

Issue Brief

Jun 14, 2022

Victory reimagined: Toward a more cohesive US cyber strategy

By Emma Schroeder, Stewart Scott, Trey Herr

US policy is on two potentially divergent paths: one that prioritizes the protection of American infrastructure through the pursuit of US cyber superiority, and one that seeks an open, secure cyber ecosystem.

Cybersecurity
Security & Defense

The 5×5

May 12, 2022

The 5×5—Reflections on trusting trust: Securing software supply chains

By Simon Handler

Five experts discuss the implications of insecure software supply chains and realistic paths to securing them. 

Cybersecurity
Defense Technologies

Tech at the Leading Edge

May 9, 2022

Assumptions and hypotheticals: First edition

By Yumi Gambrill and Emma Schroeder

The first edition of “Assumptions and Hypotheticals” considers several ongoing debates, including the escalatory potential of cyber operations, the measure of deniability created through the use of proxies, and the offense-defense balance in cyber engagements. 

Cybersecurity

Buying Down Risk

May 3, 2022

Buying down risk: Container security

By Trey Herr, Robert Morgus, Stewart Scott, and Tianjiu Zuo

Industry’s move towards container architectures provides great promise for dynamic systems and service provision, but it also brings up new concerns and opportunities for the cybersecurity ecosystem.

Cybersecurity
Technology & Innovation

Buying Down Risk

May 3, 2022

Buying down risk: Open source software

By Trey Herr, Robert Morgus, Stewart Scott, and Tianjiu Zuo

Open-source software underpins most modern code, and the unique incentives and constraints its developers face pose a tricky set of challenges for the cybersecurity ecosystem.

Cybersecurity
Technology & Innovation

Buying Down Risk

May 3, 2022

Buying down risk: Complexity management

By Trey Herr, Robert Morgus, Stewart Scott, and Tianjiu Zuo

The ever-increasing complexity of software programs and services can become a security and operational challenge in and of itself, increasing ecosystem-wide risk.

Cybersecurity
Technology & Innovation

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.

Licensing CSI Graphics

All original graphics created by the Cyber Statecraft Initiative (CSI) are available for re-use under the following conditions:

  • Written permission must be granted by CSI.
  • Graphics may be copied and distributed in any medium or format in unadapted form only, for noncommerical purposes, and only so long as attribution is given.1Language based on Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
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  • CSI cannot grant permission for the use of images or graphics licensed from third parties.