Think tank · Policy · Oakland, California · Est. 2015
The Institute for Security and Technology (IST) is a U.S.-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit think tank that describes its mission as uniting technology and policy leaders to build “actionable solutions” to emerging security challenges. The organization’s work spans cybersecurity (including ransomware and ecosystem hardening), strategic stability and nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) security, and AI security and risk reduction.
It positions itself as “policy engineers” and “trusted interlocutors” operating at the intersection of technology, national security, and implementation-oriented policy work. In recent years, IST’s strategy has combined (1) research and policy engineering, (2) convening and multistakeholder coordination (government, industry, and civil society), and (3) applied initiatives and programs designed to translate technical research into operationally relevant recommendations. This includes work around cyber-risk reduction through structured task forces and standards-oriented deliverables, and nuclear stability efforts that address how advanced AI could affect NC3 reliability, decision support, and crisis communications. IST’s current center/initiative structure highlights two large, applied research-and-policy centers launched in September 2026—(a) a Center for Advancing Cybersecurity and (b) the Perry-Shultz Center for Technology & Strategic Stability—along with ongoing programs spanning NC3/AI, AI risk reduction (including guardrails and RSI-related governance), and cybersecurity coalition efforts.
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AI-driven threats are outpacing traditional vulnerability management strategies. In August, NIST published a request for information on modernizing the National Vulnerability Database. In their response, Nick Leiserson, Bob Lord, and Lauren Zabierek offer four structural changes
Strategic Stability and Emerging Technologies: Meet the Perry-Shultz CenterIn September, IST launched two new Centers for applied research and policy development. The Perry-Shultz Center for Technology & Strategic Stability works to shape technology’s trajectory into a force for stability and forge common cause against its most consequential risks. To l
IST at STRATCOM: Technical and Policy Shifts for Enacting DeterrenceIST’s Nuclear Policy team attended the U.S. STRATCOM Deterrence Symposium this summer to engage practitioners and discuss emerging findings from IST’s ongoing work on the integration of artificial intelligence into nuclear command, control, and communications. IST’s Brandon Corti
Before the first AI crisis, Washington and Beijing need a habit of talkingPresidents Trump and Xi wrapped their two-day summit in Washington without a formal AI agreement. But before the two leaders sat down, U.S. officials announced plans for an incident line on AI risk. For the NatSpecs blog, IST’s Steve Kelly, Sylvia Mishra, and Catherine Murphy unp
E-Rate: A Lifeline With a Blind SpotWhile schools across the country have become a popular target for malicious actors, they still lack the cybersecurity resources to defend themselves. In this webinar, IST brought together members of the Future of Universal Service Fund Reform Task Force, including former FCC staf
Two Black Boxes: What Nuclear Policy Learns Inside Silicon ValleyFollowing a week in the Bay Area with the inaugural cohort of the Andrew Carnegie AI-Nuclear Accelerator, IST Senior Associate for Nuclear Policy Catherine Murphy stresses the urgent need to build shared literacy between AI innovators and nuclear policymakers
On the Ground in Silicon Valley: Andrew Carnegie AI-Nuclear Policy Accelerator Cohort Gets a Week Inside the Frontier of AI and National SecurityIn July, IST convened the inaugural cohort of the Andrew Carnegie AI-Nuclear Accelerator in the Bay Area for a five-day immersive experience at the intersection of artificial intelligence and nuclear security. IST Director of Nuclear Policy Sylvia Mishra reflects on how the team
Ist Launches CentersBetween a Breach and a Hard Place: IST’s Michael Klein on the Canvas LeakThree months after IST’s Michael Klein coordinated state leadership in response to the Canvas breach, Klein reflects on navigating a situation which, due to the lack of federal capacity and authority, left him feeling like “one person holding together a sector.” But what can feel
Ahead Of Beijing Common Cause On Ais Biggest RiskRapid Reaction Ist Experts On The Artificial Intelligence Executive OrderBuilding Towards A Beneficial Future Together Ist Engages With Partners On The Recent Vatican Ai EncyclicalIST announced the launch of two new centers—(1) the Perry-Shultz Center for Technology & Strategic Stability and (2) the Center for Advancing Cybersecurity—describing the centers’ applied research and policy-development goals.
Safety Takes a Back Seat: IST Releases AI and the Future of National Security SurveyIST published a survey (in partnership/support context with the Future of Life Institute) assessing national security experts’ risk tolerance related to potential AI-caused catastrophe in the context of pursuing AI leadership.
IST Launches Initiative for Managing the Risks from Recursive Self-Improvement (RSI) and Self-Modifying AI Systems in Partnership with the Future of Life InstituteIST announced a new RSI/self-modifying AI research initiative with the Future of Life Institute focused on governance frameworks and control mechanisms.
Meet the Executive Committee Members, Working Group Co-Chairs, and Working Group Experts Contributing to IST’s AI-NC3 InitiativeIST announced membership for the AI and NC3 initiative’s executive committee, working group co-chairs, and working group experts.
How China Builds AI Power: IST Hosts Panel at the AI+ ExpoIST reported convening a panel and firestarter brief at AI+ Expo to discuss how China builds AI power and related implications for U.S. understanding.
IST announced the inaugural cohort of the Andrew Carnegie AI–Nuclear Policy Accelerator and described its purpose and cohort composition.