Nikita Shah

Senior Fellow, Intelligence, National Security, and Technology Program

Nikita Shah is a senior fellow with the Intelligence, National Security, and Technology program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. She has 10 years of experience as a national security professional in the UK government, having worked across its operational agencies and central policy departments. Nikita specializes in evolving cyber threats and the cyber ecosystem, the use of cyber capabilities in conflict, national cyber strategy, and strategic responses to threats. She holds a PhD in politics and international studies.

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Executive Education

Global Foresight: Geopolitical Risk and Scenario Planning

Global Foresight: Geopolitical Risk and Scenario Planning is Washington’s premier executive certificate program for mid-to senior-level professionals responsible for helping their organizations navigate geopolitical uncertainty and prepare resilient long-term strategies.

Course Date: October 26, 2026
Registration Closes: October 16, 2026

What Should the U.S. Government Do in Response to the FBI Hack?

The theft of sensitive FBI data by a cybercriminal group is a long-term national security threat. It also offers a clear case for an urgent, targeted, and proportionate use of U.S. offensive cyber capabilities, sending a clear message on what is off-limits for cybercriminals.

Commentary by Nikita Shah — October 2, 2026

The Presidential Memo on Combating Transnational Cybercrime: Implications for Industry and Government

The Trump administration has directed the private sector to conduct offensive cyber operations in cyberspace. This move was long expected and sends an important signal to adversaries that the United States is hardening its posture against adversaries in cyberspace. But much will depend on its implementation and ensuring clear alignment with private sector risk appetites.

Commentary by Nikita Shah and Emily Harding — August 20, 2026

Mapping Iranian Cyberattacks on U.S. Water Systems

Recent Iranian cyberattacks on U.S. water systems were months in the making. These charts combine press reporting and CSIS expert analysis to provide a clearer picture of the attacks and their impact on the U.S. water sector.

Commentary by CSIS Scholars — August 18, 2026

State of Play

Did Iran Attack U.S. Water Systems?

Nikita Shah, Caitlin Welsh, and Lauryn Williams join Will Todman to discuss why U.S. critical infrastructure is vulnerable, what can be done to respond, and if there is enough evidence to blame Iran.

Podcast Episode by Will Todman, Nikita Shah, Caitlin Welsh, and Lauryn Williams — August 17, 2026

Photo: iLab/CSIS
Cache Me If You Can

The Cyber Threat to U.S. Water Infrastructure

Lauryn Williams, Nikita Shah, and Caitlin Welsh join Will Todman on the State of Play podcast to discuss why U.S. critical infrastructure remains vulnerable, how to respond, and whether there is enough evidence to attribute the attacks to Iran.

Podcast Episode by Lauryn Williams, Will Todman, Caitlin Welsh, and Nikita Shah — August 17, 2026

Photo: CSIS

How Tehran’s Use of Cyber Operations in the U.S.-Iran Conflict Has Evolved

Iran’s cyber apparatus has firmly regeared in direct support and alignment with Iran’s war effort against the United States, Israel, and regional rivals, and is using cyber operations to shape the operating environment in a way that is favorable to its interests.

Commentary by Nikita Shah — August 6, 2026