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 2025

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 two-day, multi-track conference committed to bridging the gap between technical experts and policy professionals. Join us June 12-13, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Register now!

 

$3.2 million from Craig Newmark Philanthropies accelerates IST’s UnDisruptable27 effort to protect our nation’s critical infrastructure

Craig Newmark at Critical Effect DC announced additional funding of $3.2 million across two years to accelerate UnDisruptable27. The ambitious, time-sensitive effort, led by non-profit think tank Institute for Security and Technology (IST), is focused on protecting our nation’s most vulnerable lifeline infrastructure from nation-state adversaries.”Not only are our lifeline functions exposed, but they are entangled: no power, no water… no water, no hospitals… no kidding,” said Joshua Corman.

 

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.

 

How can you support the Institute for Security and Technology?

 

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$3.2 million from Craig Newmark Philanthropies accelerates IST’s UnDisruptable27 effort to protect our nation’s critical infrastructure

At Critical Effect DC, Craig Newmark announced additional funding of $3.2 million across two years to accelerate UnDisruptable27. The ambitious, time-sensitive effort, led by non-profit think tank Institute for Security and Technology (IST), is focused on protecting our nation’s most vulnerable lifeline infrastructure from nation-state adversaries.

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Hack the Plant

Hack the Plant, episode 45: Old Systems, New Threats

Bryson Bort is joined by Jim Montgomery, Director, Industrial Cybersecurity Solutions at TXOne Networks. With decades of IT security experience, Jim now leads TXOne’s work protecting Operational Technology environments across critical sectors.

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Future of Digital Security

Rapid Reaction: Trump 47’s First Cybersecurity Executive Order

IST Senior Vice President for Policy Nicholas Leiserson reviews the new Trump White House Executive Order on cybersecurity, offering three key takeaways.

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Future of Digital Security

Q&A: Defending our nation’s schools against cyber threats

In this month’s newsletter, Director of Strategic Communications Sophia Mauro sat down with Michael Klein, Senior Director for Preparedness and Response at IST to understand the very real consequences of cyber attacks for students, families, and communities, the role IST will play in this coalition, and the topics that the group plans to focus on going forward.

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