Sandwiches served at 12.40.

It is necessary to consider how the virtual age has changed the battleground for all of us, how the virtual domain and cyberspace can shape our understanding of what is happening and, resultantly, our behaviours, whoever we are. In recognising this, we can appreciate that a new way of defending our networks is required, where we move away from a passive assurance mindset, but instead look to ‘fight’ our cyber attackers with the only means we have in the Virtual Domain – We need to encourage more consideration of human sciences and an improved applied understanding of our target’s decision making so as to offer actionable insight to help deploy more effective cyber defence tactics as a force multiplier to the technological solutions currently being offered by vendors and utilised in cyber defence. Adopting a proactive cyber defence strategy which is focused on the behaviour and decision making components of our attackers and not just the technical capabilities becomes key.

The lecture will explore why cyberspace is different, and how humans can be exploited through cyberspace, what does this mean for how we operate in cyberspace and, more importantly, it will showcase why it is necessary to move on from a detection focused defence strategy to a proactive cyber defence strategy which has Deception at the heart of it. It will finish with a few novel suggestions of how we might take the ‘fight’ to the cyber attacker inside our networks.

Rob Black has worked in the field of Influence and Information Operations since 2003. As a Lecturer in Information Activities at Cranfield University, he leads a series of modules on the UK MoD’s MSc in Cyberspace Operations, as well as supporting the UK Defence Cyber School in educating senior MoD Leaders about Warfare in the Information Age. Rob is currently an Associate Programme Director at Wilton Park, where he helps enable policy shaping dialogue on issues at the heart of the UK government’s interests. His current programme focuses on defence and national security, cyber, intelligence and warfare.
Formerly he was the Deputy Director of the National Cyber Deception Laboratory and previously Rob was responsible for building and developing Cyber Influence Capabilities for the UK MoD and was involved in operational planning and delivery of cyber operations in support of the UK government’s and her international partners cyber operations. Rob studied Law and a Masters in International Peace and Security (International Law and International Relations at Kings College London.