Happy Giving Tuesday from the Institute for Security and Technology! Our role as a 501(c)(3) critical action think tank has never been more crucial. As technology empowers us, it also brings incredible challenges. We help accelerate its benefits while keeping individuals, businesses, governments, and society safe from harm.
Today, I wanted to extend our sincere thanks from the entire IST team. Our work would not be possible without you. Thank you for supporting our efforts to confront emerging security challenges, whether through pro-bono support, participation in our convenings, or financial contributions.
As we approach the end of 2024, I wanted to share reflections on our work this year, how we’ve made an impact, and why what we do is so important.
We anticipate emerging security challenges, identifying new threats before they cause real-world harm and taking action to stop them.
AI Foundation Model Access Initiative
Assessing the risks and opportunities of increased access to AI foundation models.
CATALINK
Preventing the onset or escalation of global conflict by building a resilient global communications system.
Strategic Balancing Initiative
Developing actionable ways to address U.S.-China techno-industrial competition.
Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Computing
Harnessing opportunity and mitigating risk in security applications.
Generative Identity Initiative
Exploring how GenAI will affect social cohesion and the protection of public interest.
Trust & Safety in Cloud Services
Exploring a collective approach to deterring foreign malicious cyber actors’ abuse of U.S. infrastructure.
Applied Trust & Safety Initiative
Addressing the human risks of technological change.
Ransomware Task Force
Combating the ransomware threat with a cross-sector approach.
UnDisruptable27
Driving more resilient lifeline critical infrastructure for our communities.
We cultivate collaborative networks across technology, industry, government, and civil society, incorporating diverse perspectives and a wide breadth of technical and policy expertise.
In 2024, over 5,600 attendees joined us at in-person and online events.
We hosted more than 60 convenings, including small-scale working groups, roundtables, office hours, public webinars, conference side events, and all-day task force gatherings.
Our growing team of 21 researchers, staff, and experts, in addition to the many adjuncts and fellows that support our work, contributed diverse perspectives and helped expand our reach nationally and internationally.
We create common understanding, bringing bespoke convening approaches to each individual problem set.
Convening
- Two-day intensive workshops
- A series of subject matter-specific working groups
- Collaborative table top exercises
- Large-scale task forces
Iterating
- How does genAI affect social identity?
- How does AI play a role in cybersecurity?
- How does emerging technology impact crisis communications?
Output
- Recommendations for policymakers
- Matrices to help drive future research
- Action-oriented frameworks for small businesses
We activate insights with action, issuing practical recommendations, tracking their progress, and aiding with implementation.
In 2024, we issued 94 recommendations urging public and private sector action and set out actionable pathways for how to achieve them.
IST joined the Public-Private Sector Advisory Panel of the International Counter Ransomware Initiative, a group that aims to catalyze effective information sharing, build trust through clear expectations and person-to-person collaboration, and develop best practices for navigating practical hurdles.
Our team held numerous closed-door briefings with diplomats, private sector representatives, and senior U.S. and partner government officials about ongoing research and initiatives, including nuclear risk reduction, critical infrastructure protection, ransomware mitigation, and more.
Our leadership appeared before Congress twice this year, briefing on the impact of ransomware and the threat that the PRC poses to U.S. critical infrastructure.
We envision a democratic world secured and empowered by technology built on trust.
We can’t control the complexities of global politics or the pace at which technology advances.
But together, we can create a safer, more secure world improved by our insights. A world where businesses no longer suffer from ransomware attacks and thrive with secure, efficient systems. A world where people’s privacy and personal data are protected. A world that upholds our shared belief in systems that are secure-by-design and by-default.
So thank you, from all of us at IST, for your support–today and every day! And if you feel inspired, please consider making a contribution to support our work.
With gratitude,
Philip Reiner
CEO, Institute for Security and Technology