Royal United Services Institute’s Post

JUST OUT: researcher at CMS, Tobias Liebetrau, has co-authored a newly published article in the Journal of Cyber Policy on cybersecurity and the politics of knowledge production.   Based on his professional background in military intelligence, Tobias Liebetrau reflects on the practical challenges related to producing critical scholarly research on cybersecurity at the juncture between academia and (often confidential) policy. He outlines the ways in which knowledge production conditions what cybersecurity is, and what it can become, by highlighting the influence of five conditional factors: secrecy, technology, relationality, enactments of security and the political nature of knowledge production.   On this background, Tobias argues that a practice of reflexivity is important to nuance the understanding of cybersecurity and to further develop a growing research agenda.   Read the article here: https://bitly.ws/38Eyx

Shaping the future of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace 🌐 We are in New York this week for the Global Roundtable on ICT Security Capacity-Building and the intersessional meetings of the UN Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies. Together with the European Union, the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE), and the UNIDIR — UN Institute for Disarmament Research, we co-organised a side-event where we reflected on the progress achieved by cyber capacity-building efforts and initiatives to date, and cast the gaze forward.   Over two decades of UN debates have clearly shown that cyber capacity building is a key pillar in the framework for responsible state behaviour in #cyberspace. Our discussions focused on two key questions: ▪️ How might the evolution of the cyber capacity-building ecosystem influence the effectiveness of efforts in the field? ▪️ What are the possible pathways moving forward and which of them could ensure best results globally?   👏 We were honoured to have H.E. Burhan Gafoor, Chair of the OEWG on ICT, deliver the opening remarks. A big thank you 🙏 to Andrea Salvi, Ph.D. for moderating the session and to our speakers Nayia Barmpaliou, Patryk Pawlak, Helen Popp, Kerry-Ann Barrett, Chris Buckridge, Moliehi M. for your valuable insights and contributions

📆In an increasingly volatile and interconnected world, activities in cyberspace continue to threaten international stability and security. Register your interest now to be part of our inaugural Securing Cyberspace Conference that will bring together academia, industry, governments, and civil society organisations to discuss domestic and regional views on responsible cyber behaviour: https://bit.ly/3S9lITf

Fellow Guardians of the Digital Realm, The galaxy faces unprecedented threats as dark forces continue to evolve their tactics. The task of protecting our digital sanctuaries and the secrets within grows more daunting each day. The ancient shields we once relied on can no longer withstand the assaults of these new adversaries. Join us in the High Council Webinar Chamber where we will delve into the ancient wisdom of Identity Governance and Zero Trust. This is not merely an academic exercise but vital information to fortify our defenses. The strategies of old must evolve; we cannot protect the future with the tools of the past. Let us come together to harness our collective knowledge and arm ourselves with advanced techniques to predict, perceive, and preempt cyber threats. Expect engaging dialogues, wisdom from our seasoned Masters, and interactive session that will prepare us for the challenges ahead. Your presence is requested: Date: May 16th 2024 Together, we shall remain vigilant and two steps ahead of those who wish to wreak havoc across our systems. May the 4th be with you and guide us in safeguarding our galaxy’s digital future. Go to the link below to register your attendance and receive your invitation. https://lnkd.in/eCvivVr9

🌐As growing global dependence on digital technology and the internet brings with it serious risks and vulnerabilities, what is the international consensus on responsible cyber behaviour? 📑Despite some positive achievements by several global forums, we currently lack a global agreement on responsible cyber behaviour, and there is a knowledge gap in terms of how a wide range of countries and stakeholders are approaching the question of responsible cyber. 👩💻Our Global Partnership for Responsible Cyber Behaviour network aims to bridge this gap by conducting evidence-based research and connecting experts from different sectors and regions to reflect the diversity of views on the topic. 📢We are excited to announce that we are welcoming three new partners to our network, who bring with them a wealth of expertise and a shared commitment to fostering a secure and stable cyberspace: Global Partners Digital (GPD), the CyberPeace Institute (CPI), and the European Cyber Conflict Research Initiative (ECCRI). 👉You can learn more about the project and our new partners on our website: https://bit.ly/3LepLKb

MITRE’s Center for Data-Driven Policy will be issuing a series of papers over the next several months to inform presidential transition teams from both parties on key science and technology topics. Our cyber defense paper was just issued! It recommends securing our critical infrastructures, focusing on zero trust and SBOMS, preparing for quantum computing, and clarifying and strengthening authorities of our key cyber leaders and organizations. Thanks to MITRE’s cyber leaders - Yosry B., Wen Masters, Charles Clancy - for their collective input and Jared Banks, PhD for his leadership on this. https://lnkd.in/gaCDhVCe

There is indeed a cyber domain. If we started to think our shared digital medium as a new frontier or even a new country, what would the implications be for acts of aggression in it? If an attack happens in international waters, there are laws and expectations to deal with it. If it happens in the cyber domain so much is unclear.

A paradigm shift from reactive to active cyber defence is only justifiable with democratic support. At the foundation of this approach is a public understanding of the strategic environment and of the conditions that shape cyberspace as a permanently contested field of conflict, write Annegret Bendiek and Jakob Bund. https://lnkd.in/dEk6Zi2k

VdA participates in the C-Days Conference Inês Antas de Barros and Sofia Ribeiro Branco participate as speakers at the 10th edition of the C-DAYS conference, organised by Centro Nacional de Cibersegurança - Portuguese National Cybersecurity Centre. The conference, which takes place on the 18th, 19th and 20th of June at the Convent of S. Francisco, in Coimbra, is a national reference event in the area of cybersecurity. On June 18, from 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Inês Antas de Barros will participate in the debate entitled "Do we really need more regulation?", where it will address the need for and impact of new regulations in the cybersecurity sector. On the following day, June 19, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:50 p.m., Inês Antas de Barros will participate in the debate "Lessons from the Past with an eye on the Future", which will address future perspectives in the field of cybersecurity. On the same day, Sofia Ribeiro Branco participates in the session "From Impunity to Responsibility: Rethinking Cybercrime Legislation", which takes place from 11.45am to 12.30pm. The C-Days conference promotes dialogue between cybersecurity ideas and practices, bringing together experts, academics and decision-makers to promote reflection and knowledge sharing on the challenges and innovations in cyberspace. More information is available here (https://lnkd.in/dfPS6Py5) #VdA #cibersecurity #regulation

On the 2nd and 3rd of February 2024 I had the chance to attend the course ‘Cybersecurity and International Relations’ organised by ISPI. The course analysed the main threats emanating from the cyberspace that are nowadays affecting the interests of states, as well as the most relevant actors in this global confrontation. Particular attention was given to the Italian cybersecurity architecture, which in recent years has developed an original approach that sees the collaboration between public and private actors. The course then focused on the cyber challenges that affect the founding values and vital functions of our liberal democracies, including the long-standing issue of electoral manipulation. In addition, a look was also given to the ongoing initiatives at the political-institutional and diplomatic level to create shared norms of behaviour in the cyberspace.