You are here

Cyber Security

This research programme aims to bring a much-needed research focus to the cyber security challenges we face. In doing so, we merge both policy and technical analysis to inform policymakers and practitioners alike.

Focus

The global response to cyber threats remains in its infancy.

Whilst governments, industry and researchers continue to develop different approaches to mitigate threats, the actors who use cyberspace for harm respond with aggressive and inventive attack methods.

Cyber risks will only increase in the coming years owing to the globalisation of technology. It has never been more important for the cyber community to work together to achieve the cyber security needed in an uncertain future.

We have structured our approach around the following themes. RUSI’s cyber security research programme will focus on different aspects of the themes depending upon policy priorities at the time.

  • The cyber threat landscape
  • Defence and resilience
  • Legislation and regulation
  • Cyber education, awareness and behaviour
  • The cyber ecosystem

The programme has recently launched two projects on Future UK Cyber Security Strategy and the Globalisation of Technology. Outputs include published research and analysis, cyber security events, and cyber education and awareness for policymakers and the wider society.


RUSI is a world leader in international defence and security research. The programme will also draw on this wider expertise to offer a multi-disciplinary perspective on the cyber security challenges we face. The cyber security programme builds on RUSI’s reputation for independent, objective analysis, methodological rigour, timeliness, policy relevance and influence.

Contacts

James Sullivan
Head of Cyber Research
Conrad Prince CB
Distinguished Fellow and Senior Cyber Adviser
Sneha Dawda
Research Analyst
Rebecca Lucas
Research Analyst, Cyber Threats and Cyber Security

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Support Rusi Research

Make a donation

People

Experts A-Z

Latest

"James Sullivan, the head of cyber research at RUSI, the Royal United Services Institute in London, says that risks to 5G networks can be protected through new and inventive ways. “People talk about 5G being revolutionary, but I don't think that’s true at this moment. It’s more evolutionary. 5G builds on top of 4G,” he says. Sullivan believes that the measures used to secure 4G networks can still apply, in many instances, to 5G networks.“It’s just about doing them well, and in a different way,” he added “I just don’t think it really stands up when suddenly we draw a line in the sand and say, everything you've been doing before no longer applies.And it’s now suddenly the Wild West and you’re in the 5G network and you do what you want. I just don't think that stands up." "

5G - France weighs the odds between the promise of billions and Huawei’s risks

In The News, 19 February 2020

Tags: Cyber Security, Future UK Cyber Security Strategy Project, UK
Telecommunications tower (image courtesy of kinwun/Adobe Stock).

5G Cyber Security: A Risk-Management Approach

Occasional Papers, 14 February 2020

James Sullivan and Rebecca Lucas

A risk-management approach is the best way to secure the UK's future 5G network.

Tags: China, Cyber, Cyber Security, United States, Future UK Cyber Security Strategy Project, UK, Domestic Security, Information, Intelligence, Technology, Europe

"Speaking on a media conference call on 27 January 2020, Chalmers said: “What’s very clear is that the government is in a really difficult dilemma, one it’s been in for the past 18 months or so, since this issue really rose on the agenda, particularly amongst Five Eyes countries. “In its actions, the US government is arguing that it would be a significant risk to national security, indeed to the security of the UK’s allies, if any Huawei equipment was to be left in our telecoms networks – and that risk will increase as we move from 4G to 5G. That’s not consistent with the technical advice the UK government has been getting from experts based at the National Cyber Security Centre [NCSC], who are responsible for our nation’s cyber security,” he said. "

UK in catch-22 decision over Huawei security

In The News, 27 January 2020

Tags: Cyber, Cyber Security, Future UK Cyber Security Strategy Project

Pages

A Huawei phone is pictured. The company is set to be given a restricted role in the UK's 5G network.

Huawei, Not All the Way

Commentary, 27 January 2020

James Sullivan

The British government is expected to approve a restricted role for Huawei in Britain’s 5G network. We look at the arguments for that decision.

China, Cyber Security, Future UK Cyber Security Strategy Project, UK, Domestic Security, Information, Intelligence, Technology

The EU Assesses Cyber Security and 5G Networks

Commentary, 25 October 2019

Rebecca Lucas

The EU’s consolidated risk assessment of the cyber security of 5G networks is not just about Huawei. It highlights wider cyber security risks to 5G networks. Given the lack of market incentives to address these risks, regulation to safeguard 5G networks is becoming more likely.

Cyber, Cyber Security, European Union, Technology, Europe
Telecommunications tower (image courtesy of kinwun/Adobe Stock).

5G Cyber Security: A Risk-Management Approach

Occasional Papers, 14 February 2020

James Sullivan and Rebecca Lucas

A risk-management approach is the best way to secure the UK's future 5G network.

China, Cyber, Cyber Security, United States, Occasional Papers, Future UK Cyber Security Strategy Project, UK, Domestic Security, Information, Intelligence, Technology, Europe

The UK Cyber Strategy: Challenges for the Next Phase

Briefing Papers, 27 June 2019

Conrad Prince and James Sullivan

The UK's 2016 National Cyber Security Strategy reaches its conclusion in 2021. At the midway point of the current strategy, and with an upcoming Spending Review, the focus should now be on building...

Cyber, Cyber Security, Briefing Papers, Future UK Cyber Security Strategy Project, UK, Law and Ethics, National Security, Organised Crime, Technology