The Cipher Brief: National Security news, analysis and expert commentary.

The Open Source Report

Report for Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Israel, at UN, warns Houthis they risk “miserable fate.” 

Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine hits multiple targets, including Kyiv

Putin says he saved Russia, but a year of challenges suggests Moscow’s position is precarious

U.S. Treasury claims Chinese state-backed actor hacked its computers in “major” incident

Africa Has Entered a New Era of War

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The Experts

Cipher Brief Experts bring context to today’s global events

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Featured Viewing

CIA Director Gets Candid About Today’s Global Challenges | The Cipher Brief


Opinion

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NSA Director: US Investigating China Telecom Cyberattacks | The Cipher Brief

OCTOBER 7: ONE YEAR LATER | THE WORLD DECIPHERED Ep. 9

INTERPOL Director of Cybercrime talks AI, Scams, and International Collaboration | The Cipher Brief


Book Reviews

Dead Drop

This Week’s Dead Drop: December 27

HO, HO, HOLY SMOKE: Drones are much in the news these days. The ones over New Jersey (so far) appear to be benign. The same cannot be said for some launched recently by Ukrainian troops and aimed at North Korean troops working as surrogates for the Russian army. Forbes has some video which appears to show lethal drones in the terminal phase right before striking North Korean positions. What makes this slaying seasonal is that the accompany video appears to show a Santa Claus figure strapped to the drone right before it strikes rapidly fleeing troops. A [...] More

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Podcasts

State Secrets

The Cipher Brief has been honored to support a number of non-profit organizations over the years that have made giving back their mission – especially in the national security world. In this episode of State Secrets, we’re welcoming David Kramer, a self-described ‘regular guy who wanted to give back’ and Jeremy Morton, a former special operations operator who has done some pretty impressive stuff during his time in the military – to talk about how they’re giving back via a non-profit called SOC-F.

Cover Stories: Spies, Books & Entertainment

Scott Moyers is a veteran executive of the publishing industry. Today he is Vice President and Publisher of Penguin Press. He has acquired and edited countless bestsellers – including many authored by Cipher Brief experts. He was also director of the New York office of the Wylie Agency – one of the most prominent and influential literary agencies in the U.S. We talk with him about his insights about publishing books touching on the national security, foreign policy and intelligence arenas – both fiction and non-fiction. We also ask about do’s and don’t for aspiring authors, changes in the publishing industry – and what does someone who reads for a living – read for pleasure?


What the Experts Say

The Cipher Brief offers insights from a large number of deeply experienced national security experts. Their articles are the result of decades of immersion in the critical issues facing the world today as well as the public and private sector decision making associated with these problems. There is no other source with such a network of expertise.
Norm Roule

I’m proud to be part of the network of experts at The Cipher Brief, which provides superb geopolitical advice and intelligence insights.

Admiral James Stavridis

“The Cipher Brief is my daily ‘must read’ for insightful coverage and analysis of national security events.  I find the Open Source Report to be a key tool in assessing global geopolitical risk, and illuminating national security challenges in just the right amount of depth.  It’s the perfect balance.  I can read it quickly, but step away feeling I have a solid grasp of the issues and implications.  Thanks to the brilliant Cipher Brief Team! “

Lt. Gen. Michael Groen (Ret.)

The Cipher Brief has quickly established itself as a go-to site among Washington national security devotees – and those outside the capital as well. Readers have learned that they can quickly catch up on the latest news, take deeper dives into the key issues, and get a peek behind the curtain with Cipher’s unique Dead Drop feature – all on one user friendly spot.

John McLaughlin

The Cipher Brief’s Open Source Report is an extraordinary product and an important daily read for situational awareness on national security issues.

General John R. Allen (Ret.)

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