30 European Security & Defence 2015
Defence Technology
Training for a secure tomorrow (BSC/RUAG) As clichéd as it may be there is no avoiding the fact that the threats on security posed today are more complex and changing quicker than ever before. Part of the complexity comes from the pace of technological development and the changing landscape of the traditional battlefield. The cyber dimension now exposes everyone be they a soldier, a CEO or a private person to attacks from other individuals, organisations or even states. This asymmetric nature and even the possibility for extreme asymmetry within the cyber domain, mirrors that seen over the previous decade by troops on the ground. The sudden threat of the IED caused a rush of protection requirements for vehicles and the need for new operational procedures for soldiers. Now, there is the need for much work to be quickly done to secure the integrity of organisations against the threats from cyber space. In our world where the only constant is change, there is a perpetual strive to be the fittest and as ready as possible to meet the challenges of the future. A key element of this readiness is effective training.
Cyber Training As threats from cyber space can damage a wide variety of organisations it is crucial that not only militaries but also operators of critical infrastructure understand their weaknesses and how to protect themselves. Part of the problem with cyber threats are the peculiar characteristics that are unique to them; time convergence, geographical convergence and organisational dependency. Elaborated, this means that dis-
Together ahead
Photo: BS/RUAG
persed targets can be attacked simultaneously with no lead time through an infrastructure belonging to another organisation. Understanding and accepting these characteristics is
level and the specialised level. Each level faces its specific
an integral step in being protected against cyber-attacks. In
challenges within cyber security, has different knowledge of
addition to understanding the nature of the threats, training
the organisation’s objectives and a different understanding of
is crucial for knowing how to deal with and more importantly
the technology concerned. RUAG Defence develops specific
prevent them effectively.
programs and scenarios which embrace the differences within
Traditional cyber training has often been taught generically and focused on reacting to situations rather than understan-
an organisation and so better equip it as a whole to face the threats from cyber.
ding the topic as a whole. Without this knowledge it makes it hard for individuals to comprehend the consequences of
An Experienced Trainer
their decision making. In addition, training hasn’t taken into account the participant’s position within an organisation or
The didactic knowledge within RUAG Defence comes from
the specific threats posed to that organisation. In a move to
its years of experience as a partner for international forces
combat this RUAG Defence is developing its cyber cen-
in the fields of simulation & training. On projects throughout
tre of excellence with a focus on customisation and client
the world RUAG Defence has delivered the technology and
flexibility; enabling organisation, mission and function spe-
innovative solutions forces need to perform high-fidelity and
cific education. Core to RUAG Defence’s philosophy is the
effective training against the threats they face today and will
differentiation between the leadership level, the operational
face tomorrow.
