What is the aim?
To enable countries to have an understanding of the nature and magnitude of today’s global cybersecurity threats, and to develop a common understanding of the lexicon, best practices, and current cybersecurity initiatives within the public and private sectors. Countries also build networks of contacts with officials involved in cybersecurity strategy from other countries and regions and get connected with cybersecurity leaders from the public and private sectors.
Why do it?
It is a very good way to gain comprehensive knowledge about cybersecurity policy on the global level and how it influences national strategies. Also, officials build a network with other government representatives and cybersecurity experts from other countries in their region and globally.
What are typical outputs?
The participants gain the skills to provide leadership in the country on cybersecurity strategy and pursue a whole-of-government approach to cybersecurity.
How is it delivered?
2-3 days courses and workshops, regional summer schools, four-week residential course.
How easily can a country do it themselves?
The country has to get in contact with the training provider or reach out to the GFCE to find out who is offering training courses. In many cases the costs are covered (sometime travel costs have to be covered by the participant). For example, ITU offers a TTX on Strategy Development and Implementation, the duration will be 8 hours and costs cover the Travel, Accommodation and Per Diem Expenses for 3 trainers.
What good practice guidance is available?
- George C. Marshall European Center for Security: Program on Cyber Security Studies (PCSS)
- ITU Regional National Cybersecurity Strategy workshops (see Activity 10)
- Ensure that as many people as possible in relevant positions participate in courses on a regular basis.
- Facilitate knowledge exchange after the completion of the course so the participant’s home institution is also profiting.
Cost
Depending on the program, courses are free of charge or travel and subsistence have to be covered by the participants.
Duration
A couple of days to several weeks.
Since 2014, the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies (“Marshall Centre”) in Garmisch-Partenkirchen/Germany has been bringing together senior government officials from around the world for the Program on Cyber Security Studies (PCSS). PCSS is strategy and policy-focused, non-technical and designed for cyber professionals who need to make informed decisions pertaining to cybersecurity strategy and policy. The residential course is 2.5-weeks long (13 contact days) and takes place each December.
The aims of the PCSS are to address the many challenges in the cyber environment while adhering to the fundamental values of democratic society. The program helps participants appreciate the nature and magnitude of today’s threats, and develops a common understanding of the lexicon, best practices, and current initiatives within the public and private sectors. The curriculum emphasizes non-technical strategic solutions for enhancing cybersecurity. Course objectives cover techniques, policies, and best practices used to secure and defend the availability, integrity, authentication, confidentiality, and non-repudiation of information and information systems residing in the cyber domain.
PCSS provides participants with transnational cyber skills and prepares individuals for positions as senior-level cybersecurity leaders throughout government, and focuses on whole-of-government approaches to promote:
- Strategy and policy development
- Cyber aspects of critical infrastructure protection
- The role of the private sector in information and cyber technology
- Detecting and combating cyber crime
- Global collaboration and information sharing
- Understanding the transnational cyber environment, including national approaches in the United States, Germany, the European Union, NATO and other International organizations.
- Cyber policies in countering terrorism
- Identifying measures for cooperation on detecting and mitigating cyber incidents
The program is tailored for senior officials responsible for developing or influencing cyber legislation, policies, or practices. Participation is open only to serving government officials and is ideal for diplomats, legislators, ministerial staff, policymakers, military and law enforcement officers, and other officials who require a better appreciation of cybersecurity.
The program is taught by world leaders in cybersecurity and allows participants to network and establish contacts with other cyber-focused professionals from every region of the world.
In addition to the residential course, the Marshall Centre organizes a number regional events throughout the year.
For more information, click here.