William Akoto

@ausis.bsky.social @sisresearch.bsky.social @csint-au.bsky.social @cspjournal.bsky.social

Disinformation isn’t just about spreading false claims - it’s also about fighting back when exposed. My new paper shows how state-backed cyber proxies adapt in real time to counter election-interference claims.
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/WU8XV...

Unpacking state-sponsored cyber conflict: Intelligence-driven strategic competition in cyberspace Covert cyber operations are central to state competition, yet scholars disagree whether they are intelligence contests or tools of strategic competition. I develop an Intelligence-Driven Strategic ...

www.tandfonline.com/eprint/AZFSI...

States aren’t just hacking. They're running intelligence-led campaigns designed to impose cumulative strategic costs. I have a new paper in Journal of Strategic Studies on what this means for cyber doctrine, resilience, and escalation management.

New Year, New TikTok? SIS professor and Director of Research at the Center for Security, Innovation, and New Technology William Akoto discusses the future of TikTok operations in the United States.

Under a new framework deal between the US and China, a consortium of US investors is slated to oversee US operations of TikTok starting this year. In this new Q&A, SIS professor @willakoto.bsky.social breaks down what this will mean for TikTok users in the US. https://bit.ly/3YDP1Qz

Why do some cyber campaigns reshape power while others fizzle out? My new JSS article shows how intelligence practices, not just hacking, drive strategic competition in cyberspace — and why classic deterrence keeps failing.
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/AZFSI...

@ausis.bsky.social @csint-au.bsky.social @sisresearch.bsky.social #cyberconflict

🥳New paper to kick-off the semester! I introduce an “Intelligence-Driven Strategic Competition” framework to explain when cyber espionage becomes real strategic competition. If you work on cyber conflict, coercion or state power, this may be of interest:
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/AZFSI...

TikTok's fate in the U.S. could hinge on who controls its algorithm TikTok's algorithm is the "secret sauce" behind the app's success, experts say. U.S.-China talks over the app's ownership must resolve who controls the technology.

SIS professor William Akoto (@willakoto.bsky.social) spoke with @cbsnews.com about the new arrangement with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, and the US version of TikTok.

https://cbsn.ws/423iyWa.

Episode 85: How are Governments Using AI? In this episode, School of International Service (SIS) professor William Akoto joins Big World to discuss the intersections of artificial intelligence and international affairs.

In this new episode of Big World, SIS professor @willakoto.bsky.social discusses how governments around the world are using AI and considers both the dangers and opportunities associated with this emerging tech.

Listen now, wherever you get your podcasts. #AcademicSky https://bit.ly/4p4htqO

Sold Out!!

It will be a fun evening! Join us!😊

We're hiring!! My department has a fantastic group of renowned scholars and practitioners...we'd love to have you join us!
american.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/AU/job/Main-...

The Phillies did the kiss cam thing to Coldplay

Blocking exports and raising tariffs is a bad defense against industrial cyber espionage, study shows Supply-chain decoupling doesn’t stop rival nations from hacking each other and can make it worse. A cyber-espionage expert explains what does work.

In my latest op-ed for The Conversation, I argue that supply-chain decoupling won't stop cyber economic espionage. It might even make it worse.
theconversation.com/blocking-exp...

Huge loss for the cyber conflict studies community. He was an absolute trailblazer and great mentor to me and many others! Condolensces to his family and loved ones!🙏🏾

In my latest paper at Business & Politics, I explore the often overlooked ripple effects of state-sponsored cyber attacks on the stock market dynamics of cybersecurity defense contractors.

www.cambridge.org/core/journal...

My latest paper was just published at Business & Politics! I explore the often overlooked ripple effects of state-sponsored cyber attacks on the stock market dynamics of cybersecurity defense contractors. Grateful to colleagues and reviewers for comments!

www.cambridge.org/core/journal...

Secret Cyber Wars: Why States Are Increasingly Turning to Economic Espionage and How Cyber Proxies Play a Key Role - Irregular Warfare Initiative States turn to economic espionage using cyber proxies for strategic advantages. Here’s Why.

In my latest piece for the Irregular Warfare Initiative, I examine why states are increasingly turning to economic espionage and hoe cyber proxies play a key role.
irregularwarfare.org/articles/sec...

My latest article just published at JPR!🥳🎉 I examine the puzzle of why cyber economic espionage is largely restricted to a small set of advanced economies. Part of a special issue edited by Daphna Canetti
and Ryan Shandler.
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...

Excited to share that I’ll be joining @AU_SIS as an Assistant Professor in January 2024. I’ll miss my brilliant students, great colleagues and friends at Fordham but beyond thrilled to be part of the fantastic SIS community!!😊

Forthcoming at JPR!🥳 I examine the puzzle of why cyber economic espionage is largely restricted to a small set of advanced economies. Hint: the complexity of their product profiles has a lot to do with it😁