Cyber Security

Pulling Back the Curtain on the Dark Net

The majority of internet content – as much as 96 percent – exists beyond the reach of your Google searches in a place known as the “dark net.” This hidden part of the web, which is not indexed by standard search engines and browsers, serves as a haven for criminals and cyberterrorists, but also provides an important tool for democracy activists and journalists. Is it possible to police bad actors without destroying a powerful option for those with legitimate reasons to operate with anonymity?

“Time is Now” to Support Women Leadership in Global Cybersecurity

International Women’s Day, celebrated worldwide annually on March 8, is a chance to reflect on past and present-day challenges associated with achieving gender equality[1]. As technology is harnessed to enable digital transformation for global good, it is time for the members of the world community to work toward a future where women from all walks of life will no longer be subject to injustices, inequality, and discrimination.

Russian Meddling Is a Meme

Recently I had a lot of fun watching a short-film-length campaign video from Colombia that tells an elaborate story of some vodka-drinking foul-mouthed Russian spies trying to understand Colombian politics. The country holds presidential elections this coming May. The campaign behind the video is that of Claudia López, a senator and a respected former investigative journalist, running on an anticorruption platform.

All You Need to Know about Russian Hackers

Russian hacking has grabbed the collective attention of the U.S. and EU as a potential threat to free elections, national security, and even social stability. In his presentation, Daniil Turovsky explained the actual mechanics of how Russian hackers join forces with one another, work for Russian security services, and carry out attacks on banks and government agencies. He also discussed the personal motivations of the hackers themselves.

Selected Quotes

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Follow the Money: Civilizing the Darkweb Economy

Digital payment systems and financial services have become an essential part of modern technological infrastructure, growing exponentially over the past three decades and continuously innovating to meet the demands of the international financial system. These systems and services have already revolutionized payments in many parts of the world. Research indicates that widespread adoption and use of digital financial services could provide access to an additional 1.6 billion unbanked and underbanked people.

Cybersecurity Workforce Preparedness: The Need for More Policy-Focused Education

With the Internet of Things, the computerization of critical infrastructure and other essential processes, the ubiquity of computational technology has increased societal vulnerability. The complexity of cybersecurity questions has grown exponentially as attacks from foreign powers, cybercriminals, and hacktivists have risen. However, as individuals who can translate these politically-based technical challenges into policy have become more essential, degree programs focusing on cybersecurity policy have remained scarce.
 

A Comparative Study: The Approach to Critical Infrastructure Protection in the U.S., E.U., and China

November is the “Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month” in the U.S., as designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Defending Against Russia’s Disinformation War

As Washington and the world await the findings of various investigations into Russian meddling in the U.S. presidential election, the debate goes on about how best to defend against disinformation campaigns. Kennan Fellow Nina Jankowicz is focused on the “fake news” phenomenon and online propaganda wars and what can be done about them. Her thoughts provide the focus for this edition of Wilson Center NOW.

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