The exclusive Competence Centre Secure Austria (KSÖ) event focussed on the current and pressing challenges and strategies in the field of international security and cyber security. Professor Dr Richard J. Harknett, a renowned expert on security issues and cyber persistent engagement, shared his insights, experiences and research findings.
The event, which was aimed at experts from the fields of security, politics and science, provided information on current threats in the area of cyber security. Professor Dr Harknett explained the concept of Cyber Persistent Engagement, which emphasises proactive and continuous cyber defence.
In addition to cyber persistent engagement, national security strategies in the digital age and the need for international cooperation were also discussed. The participants benefited from the expert's in-depth analyses and practical recommendations.
"To ensure the resilience of our digital systems in the face of growing cyber threats, new approaches such as security by design, certification of secure products and systems, effective education and ongoing training for secure operations as well as cooperation and collaboration in the international arena are required in addition to the general need for cyber hygiene in digital systems. I am delighted to welcome Prof. Harknett to Vienna for an exchange of experiences with the Austrian cyber security elite," said Helmut Leopold, KSÖ Vice President and Head of the Centre for Digital Safety & Security at the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology.
"The continuous exchange with international experts is priceless when it comes to keeping our finger on the pulse and realising innovative technologies. This exchange of knowledge not only strengthens our excellent research work, but also offers a considerable advantage for the development of solutions for the security of Austria as a business location," emphasises Andreas Kugi, Scientific Director of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology.
About Professor Dr. Richard J. Harknett
Dr Harknett is Professor of Political Science and Director of the School of Public and International Affairs and Co-Director of the Ohio Cyber Range Institute and Chair of the Center for Cyber Strategy and Policy at the University of Cincinnati. He holds an affiliate faculty position at UC's School of Information Technology and is also an adjunct professor at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, where he was a Fulbright Professor in 2001. In 2017 he was the first Fulbright Professor of Cyber Studies at Oxford University, UK, and in 2016 the first Scholar-in-Residence at the United States Cyber Command and the NSA. His publications and research interests focus on international relations theory and international security studies with a particular focus on cyber strategies. He regularly advises the US government and the State of Ohio.
About AIT Austrian Institute of Technology
With more than 1,400 employees, the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is Austria's largest non-university research institution and the specialist among European research institutions for the key infrastructure issues of the future. With the Center for Digital Safety & Security, the AIT has established a globally recognised position in the field of cyber security training for digital infrastructures. A powerful and modern cyber range developed at AIT supports cyber security training for IT and OT systems for skills development and capacity building for critical infrastructure operators, system developers, public authorities, large companies and SMEs. In addition, the AIT is the world's first IAEA Collaborating Centre for cyber security training for the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA). It is also a training partner for the World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS) and supports the national KSÖ cyber security exercises for Austrian operators of critical infrastructures and authorities.
About Competence Centre Secure Austria
The Competence Centre for a Secure Austria (KSÖ) is a leading organisation in promoting the security of the state and economy in Austria. KSÖ works to strengthen the security infrastructure and promote best and new practices to counter the threats of the modern world.
Contact
Michael W. Mürling
Marketing & Communications
Center for Digital Safety & Security
AIT Austrian Institute of Technology
michael.muerling(at)ait.ac.at | www.ait.ac.at/dss