Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC)

We are actively seeking qualified individuals with a passion for internet security and stability. 

For those interested in contributing to the Security and Stability Advisory Committee (SSAC), we encourage you to start with our foundational documents: the ICANN Bylaws Section 12.2.b, Operational Procedures and the SSAC Publications page. These resources provide a comprehensive view of the SSAC’s mission, operational framework, and contributions to Internet security and stability. You can also attend open SSAC sessions during ICANN meetings to  meet current members and gain insights into SSAC discussions.

2026 Membership Cycle Timeline

The application deadline for consideration in the 2026 membership cycle is 30 June 2026, 23:59 UTC. Applications are reviewed collectively following this deadline; they are not considered on a rolling basis. Submissions received on or after 1 July 2026 will be held for the subsequent review cycle in 2027.

Application Materials

To submit your application for consideration in 2026, please complete the SSAC Application Form.

The Application Form will ask you to provide the following materials:

• Your resume or CV
• A concise statement of interest outlining your motivation for joining and how you can contribute
• Links to relevant work, such as presentations or publications (optional)

Review and Appointment Process

After submitting your application, you will receive an invitation to complete a questionnaire and your Disclosure of Interest. The SSAC Membership Committee then carefully reviews each application, assessing the alignment of candidates' skills and experience with our needs, and conducts interviews with promising candidates. Successful applicants are recommended to the SSAC, and, upon approval, we forward the recommendation to the ICANN Board for formal appointment.

Have questions? We're here to help!

Contact the SSAC support staff at ssac-staff@icann.org for any inquiries or additional information. 

Within the context of the SSAC’s role as defined in Article 12, Section 12.2(b) of the ICANN Bylaws, the SSAC commits to the following principles:

1. SSAC provides advice to the ICANN Board and the broader internet community on Security Stability and Resiliency (SSR) topics based on evidence, facts, analysis, and considered opinion informed by experience and expertise.
2. SSAC provides comments on ICANN Community issues that have the potential to impact the way in which the SSAC is structured and operates.
3. SSAC participates in ICANN Community activities that are relevant to its SSR role or to the way in which the SSAC is structured and operates.
4. SSAC members participate in the SSAC as individuals, not as representatives of their employers or other organizations, and as equals.
5. SSAC members, when they participate in and beyond the ICANN Community, make it clear whether their statements are their own personal views, the views of their employer, or the agreed views of the SSAC when discussing issues relevant to the SSAC.
6. SSAC members follow the ICANN Expected Standards of Behavior and interact with each other and with other members of the ICANN Community with respect, honesty and open-mindedness. They are sensitive to all cultures and receptive to new and alternative ideas.
7. SSAC members work together collaboratively and diligently to deliver SSAC work that is clear, effective, well-timed and relevant to the ICANN Community
8. SSAC work clearly speaks to its intended audience, is mindful of their interests, is cognizant of the political environment, and expresses advice and recommendations in a convincing way.

The SSAC has undergone two organizational reviews since it was established.

The first organizational review was conducted by JAS Communications whose Final Report was delivered in May 2009. In response, SSAC conducted a self‐review exercise, which resulted in a coherent and comprehensive SSAC report to the Working Group, delivered in June, 2009. Subsequently, SSAC Support staff and the ICANN Board's Structural Improvements Committee (SIC) produced an Improvements Implementation Plan to implement the 33 recommendations outlined in the January 2010 Final report of the ICANN Board SSAC Review Working Group. This plan conforms to all guidance contained in the ICANN Board's Resolution 2010.06.25.05 that the SIC will, in coordination with staff, provide the Board with final implementation plans to conform with the measures recommended by the SIC to address the conclusions and recommendations in the final report of the Board Security and Stability Advisory Committee review Working Group. All elements of the plan were completed as of 18 March 2011.

The second organizational review was conducted by Analysis Group whose Final Report was delivered in December 2018. The ICANN Board accepted the Final Report and the SSAC's Feasibility Assessment and Initial Implementation Plan in June 2019 (Resolutions 2019.06.23.15 – 2019.06.23.20). All elements of the plan were completed as of 25 March 2021.

Comments and other communications to the committee should be sent to ssac-staff@icann.org.

At its November 2001 meeting, which focused on security issues, the ICANN Board directed the President "to appoint a President's standing committee on the security and stability of the Internet's naming and address allocation systems. The President is directed to develop a proposed charter, with at least a focus on risk analysis and auditing thereof, in consultation with the President's standing committee, and to submit it to the Board for its approval."

At its meeting on 14 March 2002, the ICANN Board approved the charter of the ICANN Committee on Security and Stability.

On 13 May 2002, the ICANN Board converted the President's Committee on Security and Stability to the Security and Stability Advisory Committee.