The Cyber Security Policy and Research Institute, Initially established in October 1993 as the Cyberspace Policy Institute, is a center for GW and the Washington area to promote technical research and policy analysis of problems that have a significant computer security and information assurance component. Inside GW, the Institute bridges discipline barriers to bring together researchers from all of the Schools with interests in policy issues related to computer technology, the internet and security of critical infrastructure. Outside of the University, it works with government and private organizations to study the impact of rapid technological change on business, government and society and the infrastructure security problems caused by the convergence of data and organizations in a networked world.

CSPRI has become the premier venue for policy discussion and research for the growing open source development movement.