$3.2 million from Craig Newmark Philanthropies accelerates IST's UnDisruptable27 effort to protect our nation's critical infrastructure

"Not only are our lifeline functions exposed, but they are entangled: no power, no water… no water, no hospitals… no kidding." - Joshua Corman, Institute for Security and Technology

WASHINGTON, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CRITICAL EFFECT DC -- Craig Newmark today announced additional funding of $3.2 million across two years to accelerate UnDisruptable27. The ambitious, time-sensitive effort, led by non-profit think tank Institute for Security and Technology (IST), is focused on protecting our nation's most vulnerable lifeline infrastructure from nation-state adversaries.

Chinese state leadership has expressed a desire to be prepared for conflict by 2027. Hackers from the People's Republic of China already threaten our national security, public safety, and way of life. Their ability to disrupt the water we drink and the power we use to light our homes could have catastrophic impact on our nation. No power could mean no pumps to distribute water to our communities. No water could mean no hospitals to rely on during a medical emergency. No water could mean no food to put on our tables. This is not an abstract risk. With American lives at stake, there is no time to waste.

In its pilot phase, made possible by seed funding from Craig Newmark Philanthropies, UnDisruptable27 prioritized expert outreach, stakeholder engagement, and the development of compelling storytelling to clearly communicate risk. The pilot identified interdependencies among lifeline sectors as a key point of weakness. Most importantly, disruptions to continuity of patient care delivery in hospital communities—and the fragile water and power systems which support them—have the greatest potential for loss of life.

In its next phase, UnDisruptable27 heads to the front lines of this conflict. The effort will act quickly to get on the ground with a dozen hospital communities to help them bolster their resilience. Building on these experiences, the program will run regional exercises to prepare them for worst-case scenarios, record their stories to share with peers across approximately 6,000 hospitals nationwide, and help critical infrastructure operators across the country boost their defenses in the face of growing nation-state threats.

UnDisruptable27 is led by Joshua Corman, who for over a decade has been at the forefront of the movement to bolster critical infrastructure cybersecurity. As we turn the corner from pilot to full throttle, IST is recruiting and adding powerhouses such as Nicholas Leiserson, who is a seasoned expert in translating policies into actionable strategies that advance national and international cybersecurity.

"The Cyber Civil Defense initiative asks all Americans to do their part to protect our most at-risk public infrastructure. The Institute for Security and Technology has taken this spirit to a whole new level with UnDisruptable27," said Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies. "I've often wondered if I need to be a modern-day Paul Revere, raising alarm and rallying all willing allies to protect our critical infrastructure. This isn't a future threat. We're under attack now and everyone needs to do something about it."

"The stakes couldn't be higher for public safety, human life, and national security. With only eighteen months to make our critical infrastructure more resilient under fire, time is against us. I'm grateful to have Craig's continued support at such an important time of need," said Joshua Corman, Executive in Residence for Public Safety & Resilience at IST. "Not only are our lifeline functions exposed, but they are entangled: no power, no water… no water, no hospitals… no kidding." 

About the Institute for Security and Technology:

The Institute for Security and Technology (IST) is the 501(c)(3) critical action think tank that unites technology and policy leaders to create solutions to emerging security challenges. IST stands at the forefront of convening policymakers, technology experts, and industry leaders to identify and translate discourse into impact. We take collaborative action to advance national security and global stability through technology built on trust, guiding businesses and governments with hands-on expertise, in-depth analysis, and a global network. Since its foundation in 2020, IST has launched a vast array of impactful initiatives addressing challenges such as ransomware, the resilience of lifeline critical infrastructure, trust and safety, nuclear risk reduction, the role of artificial intelligence, and more. Visit us at https://securityandtechnology.org/.

About Craig Newmark Philanthropies

Craig Newmark is a Web pioneer best known for creating craigslist, which he stepped away from running day-to-day two decades ago. Craig's full-time philanthropic work focuses on supporting organizations protecting America's security and democracy. He has given more than $300 million in support of veterans and military families, nonpartisan journalism, cyber security education programs, hunger relief, and pigeon rescue. Craig was influenced by his Sunday School teachers who escaped the Holocaust, set his moral compass, and taught him to treat people like you want to be treated – and how to know when enough is enough. He's not as funny as he thinks he is.

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SOURCE Institute for Security and Technology