CENS Workshop on Confidence Building Measures and Norms for Cybersecurity

Synopsis
The open nature of the Internet and the efficiency gains of using computer networks offer great opportunities for social and economic development. However, the same characteristics allow for nefarious and destructive actions. While criminals already exploit vulnerabilities, it seems only a matter of time until state-actors use figurative cyber-missiles in international conflicts.

In the context of traditional weapons, arms control mechanisms were employed to reduce the threats associated with weapons. However, since the development and trade of cyberarms can be carried out clandestinely, monitoring such activities is near impossible. Given these difficulties, the next best thing to do is invest in Confidence Building Mechanisms (CBMs) to lessen the threat of cyber conflict. Norms can also play an important role in fighting other threats such as cybercrime and enhance international cooperation.

Another topic that is debated controversially is Internet Governance. While most states seem to agree that the current form of governance, exercised by technical experts under alleged influence of some states, is untenable, it is not entirely clear how the future of Internet Governance should and could look like.

The purpose of this workshop is to bring together experts from governments, international organisations, NGOs, academia, and the private sector to explore CBMs, norms, and Internet Governance issues to shed light on challenges, opportunities, and the road ahead. Participants are offered different perspectives to be able to form their own opinions as well as multiple opportunities to network with some of the leading experts in the respective fields.

Who Should Attend
A wide range of professionals will benefit from attending this workshop. Policy-makers and policy-analysts involved in different aspects of cyber-security (crime, espionage, warfare, foreign policy, Internet governance), lawyers, strategists, researchers and academics, as well as IT-engineers will be provided a venue for learning and exchanging ideas. There will also be ample opportunity to network with some of the leading experts in cyber-security issues.

For invitation inquiries please contact:
Ms Chua Qian Yi
Administrative Officer
Email: [email protected]