We unite technology and policy leaders to create actionable solutions to emerging security challenges.

The Institute for Security and Technology

The Institute for Security and Technology (IST) is the 501(c)(3) critical action think tank. We take collaborative action to advance national security and global stability through technology built on trust, guiding businesses and governments with hands-on expertise, in-depth analysis, and a global network.

 

Critical Effect DC 25

ICS Village, in partnership with the Institute for Security and Technology, Crowell LLP, the National Security Institute, and the Wilson Center, proudly presents Critical Effect DC! Formerly known as Hack the Capitol, Critical Effect DC is a multi-track conference committed to bridging the gap between technical experts and policy professionals. Join us June 12-13, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Registration is now live and the CFP call ends on April 4.

 

 

Navigating AI Compliance, Part 2: Risk Mitigation Strategies for Safeguarding Against Future Failures

In this second report in a two-part series, authors Mariami Tkeshelashvili and Tiffany Saade present 39 risk mitigation strategies for avoiding institutional, procedural, and performance failures of AI systems co-created by a working group of experts. These strategies aim to enhance user trust in AI systems and maximize product utilization. AI builders and users, including AI labs, enterprises deploying AI systems, as well as state and local governments, can use and implement a selection of the 22 technical and 17 policy-oriented risk mitigation strategies presented in this report according to their needs and risk thresholds. 

 

 

A new IST podcast: Introducing TechnologIST Talks

Technology revolutionizes the way we live. Insecure, negligent, or exploitative advancements, however, can threaten global security & stability. TechnologIST Talks is dedicated to bringing conversations on these risks–and opportunities–to the forefront. In the season premiere, CEO Philip Reiner asks the question, does the U.S. have what it takes to win the techno-industrial competition with China? IST Senior Fellows Michael Brown & Pavneet Singh say yes. By harnessing the power of venture capital, they have a plan to help build critical technologies essential for national security, economic prosperity and global leadership.

 

Exploring Generative AI’s Impact on Cognition, Society, and the Future

AI has surged to the fore, and GenAI represents a profound evolution in tech that can affect and manipulate cognition, and outsource cognitive functions. The Generative Identity Initiative’s inaugural report asks the question: How will this emerging tech affect social cohesion? With the generous support of Omidyar Network, GII engaged 25+ working group members and contributors from across industry, academia, and civil society over the course of seven months. The report presents a comprehensive research agenda, noting 27 areas of exploration for addressing these challenges.

 

Announcing UnDisruptable27: A new IST effort driving resilience of lifeline critical infrastructure

The systems that we rely on every day for everything from water and food to emergency medical care and power are subject to escalating harms by accidents, bad actors, and nation-state adversaries. Preventing these harms is a matter of public safety — and we must act now. UnDisruptable27 will prioritize the safety, security, and resilience of four lifeline basic human needs: water and wastewater, emergency medical care and hospital services, food supply chains, and power. The new project will be led by Joshua Corman, Executive in Residence for Public Safety & Resilience, with support from Craig Newmark Philanthropies. 

 

How can you support the Institute for Security and Technology?

 

NEWS

The NatSpecs Blog

Back to Blog
Hack the Plant

Hack the Plant, episode 44: The Truth about OT Vunerabilities

Bryson Bort sits down with Adam Robbie, Head of OT Threat Research at Palo Alto Networks, to pull back the curtain on OT threat research.

Read More
Artificial Intelligence

Responding to the Unknown: Simulating AI-Driven Crises

In April, Mariami Tkeshelashvili and Jennifer Tang hosted an AI crisis simulation exercise at theJohns Hopkins SAIS Emerging Technologies Symposium. The hands-on exercise asked participants to explore challenges at the intersection of AI and national security, and used IST’s research to set the stage before diving into immersive crisis scenarios.

Read More
Innovation and Catastrophic Risk

Live at the United Nations: IST Joins Forces with Germany and Switzerland to Push for Progress on Nuclear Risk Reduction 

At NPTPrepCom last week, IST and the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation hosted a dialogue on preventing and managing nuclear crises sponsored by key #CATALINK supporters, the German Federal Foreign Office and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

Read More
Commentary

Congressional Oversight on Salt Typhoon: Missing An Opportunity

The Salt Typhoon intrusion into U.S. telecom networks is “one of the greatest intelligence operations ever conducted against the United States.” How should Congress have responded? IST Senior Vice President for Policy Nicholas Leiserson unpacks the missed opportunities for oversight, and the path forward.

Read More
16days