Disinformation 101
As protesters filled the streets of Hong Kong calling for democratic rights, agents of influence were operating behind the scenes to affect the way the […] More
North America
After Persistent Cyber Engagement Comes Gates, Guards and Guns
This Cyber Viewpoint comes from James Van de Velde, Associate Professor at the National Intelligence University as well as Adjunct Faculty at Johns Hopkins and […] More
NSA’s New Directorate Expected to Strengthen Offensive Capabilities
NSA Director General Paul Nakasone announced last week that he is creating a new cybersecurity directorate that will focus on – among other things – […] More
A Global Conversation with General Philip Breedlove
Ripped straight from the headlines, there are a number of current, inter-related political and security issues that could have a significant impact on the U.S.’ […] More
What (or Who) is Driving the U.S. Border Crisis?
The number of monthly apprehensions based on illegal border crossings hovers north of 90,000 people. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), more […] More
DHS’ Big Plan for a Stronger Public-Private Cyber Partnership
When DHS was established shortly after 9/11, terrorism was the focus. But in the 16 years since the Agency’s creation, the threat landscape has changed […] More
Moscow’s History of Accusing Americans of Espionage
French philosopher Voltaire claimed that “if God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent him.” The Kremlin, whenever it wishes to free a […] More
Private Sector Preps for Active Shooters in 2019
As we head into 2019, the U.S. does so as a nation that has become accustomed to active shooters, evidenced by horrific tragedies that occurred […] More
Cyber: “The System is Blinking Red Once Again”
At a recent private D.C. dinner, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen gathered with academics and cyber experts from the private sector to talk candidly about […] More
Analysis: The U.S.-Russia Disagreement over the INF Treaty – Do Svedanya
U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss the U.S. decision to withdraw from the […] More
Intelligence at the Highest Levels: A Candid Conversation with Susan M. Gordon
As the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Susan M. Gordon serves as DNI Dan Coats’ number two, helping to manage an Intelligence Community (IC) […] More
New Jersey’s Unique Role in Protecting the Homeland
Keeping New Jersey safe is by itself a daunting challenge, but its unique proximity to its metropolitan neighbors makes the state a critical component of […] More
Are We Headed for a ‘Cyber Cuban Missile Crisis’ with Russia?
Bottom Line: The risk posed to U.S. national security by what are believed to be Russian-backed hacking groups, is similar to the October 1962 Cuban […] More
What Does ‘Right’ Look Like at the U.S. Border?
Six years ago this month, almost to the day, Cipher Brief CEO & Publisher Suzanne Kelly accompanied then- Border Chief Michael J. Fisher to the […] More
A Personal Plea in Support of Haspel’s Nomination
Observers counting potential Senate votes for the nominee to become the next Director of the Central Intelligence Agency say Gina Haspel’s prospects look pretty good. […] More
Macron’s Visit: “Embrace of Trump and a Rejection of Trumpism”
French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Washington featured both the first state dinner of the Trump presidency as well as an address to Congress. Macron […] More
Washington Reacts to Bolton’s Replacement of McMaster
Washington is reacting to the news that Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster will be replaced by John Bolton – news delivered by a tweet from President […] More
Haspel Nominated to Lead CIA, Pompeo to Replace Tillerson
In a Trump administration shake-up announced by tweet, President Donald Trump declared his intent to nominate CIA Director Mike Pompeo to lead the State Department […] More