The Need
Cybersecurity issues occupy a growing share of the Congressional agenda; every day, staff advise Members on digital policy. It is critically important that both lawmakers and aides be well-versed in the complex subjects at hand.
What the Lab Offers
The core of the Lab is a six-week seminar series that introduces participants to foundational topics in cybersecurity: how networks work and what defends them, key bad actors and their tools, the roles of different sectors in preventing or responding to threats. Each seminar is led by top technologists and scholars drawn from the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Each week's seminar also includes a tabletop exercise--in which participants are divided into groups and given scenarios to roleplay that emphasize the role of the legislative branch--as well as a social component. Unless otherwise noted, sessions are held at the Wilson Center.
Who Should Apply
The Wilson Center invites mid- to senior-level Congressional staff to participate in the Lab; the program is also open to exceptional rising leaders with a keen interest in cybersecurity who staff other U.S. policymakers. Applicants should possess a strong understanding of the legislative process and aspire to a career shaping national security policy. For more, see our FAQ.
Cybersecurity Lab 1.0 Series
The Cybersecurity Lab 1.0 focuses on core, fundamental concepts necessary to understanding cybersecurity: how networks work and what defends them, key bad actors and their tools, the roles of different sectors in preventing or responding to threats. Each seminar is led by top technologists and scholars drawn from the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Each week's seminar also includes a tabletop exercise--in which participants are divided into groups and given scenarios to roleplay that emphasize the role of the legislative branch--as well as a social component.
- Dates: March 19, March 26, April 9, April 16, April 23, April 30
- Applications are open and close March 5. For more information about the application, please email Sophie Goguichvili at Sophie.Goguichvili@wilsoncenter.org
Apply today
Cybersecurity Lab 2.0 Series
The Cybersecurity Lab 2.0 is an advanced seminar series covering in-depth security technologies and policy issues, and builds on the curriculum of the Wilson Center's introductory Cybersecurity Lab 1.0 series. Each session is thematically organized into core issue areas. In this second level of the lab, we will offer an unparalleled opportunity to dive into the advanced topics of encryption, spectrum security, active defense and more, in addition to exploring future policy challenges posed by improvements in technology.
Applications are currently closed.
