Cybersecurity in geopolitical turmoil: an opportunity for EU leadership?
Please note that this event is in-person only, with the exception of CEPS Members who may request a link to follow virtually.
Today’s world is being reshaped by a multitude of major geopolitical shifts: a growing US-China rivalry, a reconfiguration of Europe’s strategic alliances, and the US transition to an ‘America First’ foreign policy agenda. After the chain of shocks triggered (or amplified) by the election of Donald Trump in the US, the multilateral order is straining under the pressure. Increasing regionalisation and ‘coalitions of the willing’ are becoming the new normal, possibly ushering in a new multipolar order.
These changes are impacting the cybersecurity landscape, adding layers of complexity and risks. Targeting critical infrastructures is becoming a common tactic, with organisations increasingly vulnerable to attacks that originate from their vendors’ vendors. Understanding the geographical exposure of the entire supply chain is becoming ever more fundamental.
Furthermore, convergence between AI, quantum computing, IoT and other general-purpose technologies (including synthetic biology and neurotech) is expected to accelerate change. The knock-on effects could further democratise access to science and innovation but also pose new challenges for companies and policymakers around the world.
In such an unstable geopolitical context and challenging economic environment, it is fundamental for private and public sectors to strengthen cyber resilience to mitigate future disruption. Geopolitical tensions are increasing cyber risks, whilst cyberattacks are in turn exacerbating geopolitical dynamics. Achieving cyber resilience is one of the biggest cybersecurity challenges: it is not a one-off or a one-actor effort but requires a harmonised approach that stretches across borders and businesses.
In this year’s edition of the Cybersecurity@CEPS Summit we will explore these issues.
More information to come soon.
