Cyber Statecraft Initiative

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.

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

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

In the News

May 26, 2020

Sherman in Defense News: War rhetoric surrounds COVID surveillance

Cybersecurity National Security

New Atlanticist

May 26, 2020

The 5×5—Is it a game or is it real? Simulations and wargaming in cyber

By Simon Handler

Greater insight into risk and response allow public and private sector organizations to better prepare for crisis before it happens and rerun history to stave off defeat in future. Wargames can be complex live events or low-cost simulations. They can even be the basis for major reforms to policy and doctrine, giving us much to understand about them. Shall we play a game?

Cybersecurity

New Atlanticist

May 19, 2020

Seven perspectives on securing the global IoT supply chain

By Trey Herr

Many IoT devices are manufactured abroad and many of these are extremely low cost with little consideration made for security. There is nothing inherently untrustworthy or insecure about foreign manufacturing, and individual firm and product lines are much more fruitful levels of analysis in establishing good security practices from bad. Importantly however—the United States has limited means to enforce its standards in foreign jurisdictions, like China, where the bulk of IoT products are manufactured.

Cybersecurity Internet

In the News

May 14, 2020

Sherman in Lawfare: What’s in a New Bill to ‘Warn’ Americans Downloading Foreign Apps?

Cybersecurity Internet

New Atlanticist

May 12, 2020

Cyber crises need strong collaboration: Reflections from Cyber 9/12

By Alexis Montouris Ciambotti, Manuel Hepfer, Matthew Rogers, and Yashovardhan Sharma.

Cyber 9/12 sharpened our ability to analyze an evolving situation and identify its key issues, adapt to unexpected changes, and recommend effective responses to manage the crisis.

Cybersecurity United Kingdom

In the News

May 7, 2020

Sherman quoted in Defense One on Putin’s response to coronavirus

By Atlantic Council

Europe & Eurasia Russia

In the News

May 5, 2020

Handler in the Austin American-Statesman: Militarize the COVID-19 response at our own peril

By Atlantic Council

Not only has the coronavirus pandemic been compared to war, it is being treated as one. The problem: That’s not only inaccurate, it’s also detrimental to the public health, safety, and response. On April 17, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order creating the Governor’s Strike Force to Open Texas. The term strike force, most commonly […]

Coronavirus

In the News

May 1, 2020

Sherman in WIRED: The Russian Doll of Putin’s Internet Clampdown

By Atlantic Council

Internet Politics & Diplomacy

Conflict, Risk, and Tech

Apr 30, 2020

Loose cobras: DPRK regime succession and uncertain control over offensive cyber capabilities

By JD Work

Unconfirmed rumors surfaced in mid April 2020 regarding the potential incapacitation of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, leading to speculation about the ramifications of a sudden transition of leadership in Pyongyang. These rumors raise serious concerns over the stability of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) control of offensive cyber operations capabilities.

Cybersecurity East Asia

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
  • The attribution must reference the Cyber Statecraft Initiative and include a link to the content.
  • CSI cannot grant permission for the use of images or graphics licensed from third parties.