The Digital Commons Under Threat
The concept of the "commons," shared resources that belong to and serve the entire community, has traditionally referred to physical spaces and natural resources. But in the 21st century, the most critical commons is digital: the interconnected infrastructure of networks, systems, and data that underpins modern society.
This digital commons is under unprecedented threat. Nation-state cyber operations, ransomware campaigns against hospitals and schools, attacks on election infrastructure, and the exploitation of personal data have made cybersecurity not merely a technical challenge but a fundamental issue of public welfare and human rights.
James Scott, through the Embassy Row Project and the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity (ICIT), has argued that protecting the digital commons is one of the most important philanthropic challenges of our time, and that traditional approaches to cybersecurity are insufficient to meet it.
Why Cybersecurity Needs Philanthropy
The cybersecurity industry is primarily driven by commercial interests: companies develop and sell security products and services to organizations that can afford them. While this market-driven approach has produced significant technological advances, it has also created critical gaps:
The Resource Gap Small and medium-sized organizations, including local governments, community hospitals, schools, and nonprofits, often lack the resources to implement adequate cybersecurity measures. These organizations are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals precisely because of their vulnerability.
The Knowledge Gap Cybersecurity expertise is concentrated in a relatively small number of organizations and geographic regions. Many communities, particularly in developing nations, lack access to the knowledge and training needed to protect their digital infrastructure.
The Policy Gap Cybersecurity policy development often occurs without meaningful input from the communities most affected by cyber threats. The technical complexity of the subject creates barriers to civic participation in governance processes.
The Research Gap Commercial cybersecurity research is naturally oriented toward marketable solutions. Fundamental research into systemic vulnerabilities, emerging threat landscapes, and the social dimensions of cybersecurity often lacks adequate funding.
The Embassy Row Project's Approach
The Embassy Row Project addresses these gaps through a Strategic Capability Philanthropy approach that treats cybersecurity as a public good rather than a commercial product.
The Institute for Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity (ICIT)
ICIT serves as the primary vehicle for the Embassy Row Project's cybersecurity philanthropy. Operating as a nonpartisan think tank, ICIT produces research, analysis, and policy recommendations that are made available to government agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and the broader cybersecurity community.
Key ICIT activities include:
- Congressional briefings that provide lawmakers with the technical understanding needed to develop effective cybersecurity legislation
- Threat intelligence reports that analyze emerging cyber threats to critical infrastructure sectors
- Policy frameworks that bridge the gap between technical cybersecurity requirements and governance structures
- Educational programs that build cybersecurity awareness and capability across government and civil society
Crisis Intelligence & Forensics Platform
The Embassy Row Project's Crisis Intelligence & Forensics platform extends cybersecurity capability to organizations that might otherwise lack access to sophisticated analytical tools. With 104 specialized services across 22 categories, the platform provides grant-funded access to:
- Cyber threat assessment and intelligence analysis
- Digital forensics and incident response support
- Vulnerability assessment and risk modeling
- Supply chain security analysis
- Geopolitical cyber risk evaluation
Community-Level Cybersecurity
Recognizing that cybersecurity ultimately depends on individual and community behavior, the Embassy Row Project integrates digital security education into its community programs. This includes:
- Digital literacy programs that incorporate cybersecurity awareness
- Community workshops on protecting personal data and recognizing social engineering attacks
- Support for local organizations in developing cybersecurity policies and incident response plans
The Broader Vision
The Embassy Row Project's cybersecurity philanthropy reflects a broader understanding: that in an increasingly digital world, the security of digital infrastructure is inseparable from the security of communities, economies, and democratic institutions.
By treating cybersecurity as a dimension of philanthropic engagement, rather than solely as a commercial or governmental responsibility, the Embassy Row Project is helping to build a more resilient digital commons that serves all members of society, not just those who can afford to protect themselves.