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 26, 2021

Countering ransomware: Lessons from aircraft hijacking

By Simon Handler, Emma Schroeder, Frances Schroeder, and Trey Herr

Ransomware has plagued organizations for more than a decade, but the last three years have experienced a surge in both the number of incidents and the ransoms demanded. To more effectively counter ransomware, the US government should develop a strategy that draws on lessons learned from addressing a surge in aircraft hijackings through the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Cybersecurity
Terrorism

The 5×5

Aug 25, 2021

The 5×5—Cyber capacity and conflict in Africa

By Simon Handler

We brought together a panel of contributors with various perspectives on the region to break down the state of cybersecurity in Africa and explore where investments in cyber capacity could go the furthest.

Africa
Cybersecurity

Cyber 9/12 Project

Aug 9, 2021

2021 Washington, DC Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge Playbook

It’s the Pirated Life for Me: Software, Sanctions and the Deep Blue Sea Scenario Summary Intelligence Report I Intelligence Report I Recommendations Intelligence Report II Intelligence Report II Recommendations Intelligence Report III Intelligence Report III Briefings Intelligence Report III Recommendations Scenario Summary This scenario takes place from February – July of 2021 and focuses on […]

Cybersecurity

New Atlanticist

Aug 4, 2021

National Cyber Director Chris Inglis: We need to become a ‘harder target’ for our adversaries

By Katherine Golden

How do you strengthen an entire nation’s cyber defenses? That’s the task facing Inglis, who spoke about his priorities in his new White House role at the Atlantic Council.

Cybersecurity
National Security

The 5×5

Jul 22, 2021

The 5×5—If it blinks, it sinks: Adventures in securing operational technology

By Will Loomis, Simon Handler

With rising sophistication, automation, and interconnectivity in operational technologies, security has become an overwhelming need.

Cybersecurity
Geopolitics & Energy Security

Fast Thinking

Jul 19, 2021

FAST THINKING: A turning point on Chinese hacking

By Atlantic Council

What does NATO’s buy-in mean for the world’s response to Chinese hacking? What tools do these allies have to fight back? Our experts messaged us (securely) with the answers.

Australia
China

In the News

Jul 15, 2021

Handler joins Asharq News to discuss ransomware and US cyber strategy

By Atlantic Council

Simon Handler joins Asharq News to discusss ransomware and US cyber strategy.

Arabic
Cybersecurity

Conflict, Risk, and Tech

Jul 15, 2021

A US-UK hacking probe offers a fresh approach against Russia

By Justin Sherman

The international collaboration underscores the importance of being carefully narrow about scoping cyberspace “red lines” in talks with the Russian government.

Cybersecurity
Intelligence

Issue Brief

Jul 12, 2021

Reassessing RuNet: Russian internet isolation and implications for Russian cyber behavior

By Justin Sherman

This issue brief examines recent “RuNet” developments and explores how they could elevate national security risks for the United States and Europe by changing the internet landscape in Russia and potentially shifting Russian cyber behavior.

Cybersecurity
Europe & Eurasia

Report

Jun 28, 2021

Collective cybersecurity for the Three Seas

By Safa Shahwan Edwards, Simon Handler, Trey Herr, Adam Marczyński, and Jakub Teska

In Central and Eastern Europe’s Three Seas region, twelve countries have joined together to invest in critical infrastructure projects and increase interconnectivity on energy, infrastructure, and digitization efforts along the way. To strengthen the resilience of these technical investments and better bind together the defensive cybersecurity operations of these societies, Three Seas member states should establish a regional hub for cybersecurity together with key private sector partners.

Central Europe
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.

Licensing CSI Graphics

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