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

In the News

Jul 6, 2020

Sherman joins Public Radio International’s “The World” to discuss social media companies’ pause of processing Hong Kong user data

Cybersecurity
Internet

New Atlanticist

Jul 1, 2020

India’s China app ban heightens need for multilateral discussion on digital privacy and security

By Justin Sherman

Even with other the political and economic factors at play, the decision may be a small sign of some shared ground between India and the United States when it comes to data policy.

China
Digital Policy

New Atlanticist

Jun 26, 2020

What’s behind Russia’s decision to ditch its ban on Telegram?

By Justin Sherman

For years, the Kremlin was involved in cat-and-mouse efforts to block the use of Telegram, the encrypted messaging app, within Russia. Concerns about Telegram stem from the Kremlin’s concerns about the internet in general. The app enables the free flow of information, and especially when that information is encrypted, as Telegram’s is, the Kremlin sees the state’s narratives, its law enforcement surveillance capabilities, and Russia’s culture and public sphere as under threat. On June 18, however, Russia’s internet and media regulator Roskomnadzor said that it’s ending requirements to restrict Telegram access.

Cybersecurity
Internet

In the News

Jun 25, 2020

Sherman quoted in Newsweek on U.S.-China cyber conflict

China
Cybersecurity

New Atlanticist

Jun 22, 2020

The 5×5—Baseball and cybersecurity: Stealing insights from America’s pastime

By Simon Handler

Whether you have played, watched, hated, or never heard of baseball, lessons from the sport can be applied to many things in life—including cybersecurity. Cyber Statecraft Initiative experts go 5×5 to draw parallels between America’s pastime and today’s cybersecurity issues.

Cybersecurity
Technology & Innovation

Report

Jun 15, 2020

The reverse cascade: Enforcing security on the global IoT supply chain

By Nathaniel Kim, Trey Herr, and Bruce Schneier

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the increasing convergence of the physical and digital worlds and it affects us all. Hundreds of “things” are being connected to the Internet and each other, with more than fifty billion devices expected to be connected by 2030. Many IoT devices are manufactured abroad at low cost with little consideration for security. How can we secure these devices, especially those manufactured outside the United States?

Cybersecurity
Internet of Things

In the News

Jun 11, 2020

Sherman quoted in Marketplace on Zoom and censorship

Cybersecurity
Technology & Innovation

New Atlanticist

Jun 11, 2020

Two Chinese telecoms attempt to mollify FCC’s security concerns

By Justin Sherman

The main claim of the Pacific Networks and ComNet response tot he FCC is that “the Companies are not ‘wholly-owned’ by the Chinese government and operate independently and without ‘exploitation, influence, and control’ of the Chinese government.

China
Cybersecurity

New Atlanticist

Jun 2, 2020

The UK is forging a 5G club of democracies to avoid reliance on Huawei

By Justin Sherman

As the need for alternatives to Huawei 5G technology becomes more urgent, democracies must pursue these kinds of diplomatic, coalition solutions. Forming a democratic 5G alliance is a step in that direction.

China
Cybersecurity

New Atlanticist

May 27, 2020

The cybersecurity effects of coronavirus

By Derek Bernsen

Since COVID-19 began to spread within the United States in January of this year, the United States has been concentrating its efforts on mitigating the crisis at both a state and federal level. However, all efforts at containing the growing cybersecurity problems have been surface level and reactive at best.

Coronavirus
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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