UK Cyber Effects Network introduced by RUSI and National Cyber Force

Offensive cyber operations are defined by the 2022 UK National Cyber Strategy as ‘adding, deleting or manipulating data on systems or networks to deliver a physical, virtual or cognitive effect’.

Ultimately, the UK Cyber Effects Network aims to generate new thinking on the theory and practice of offensive cyber operations and help develop the next generation of UK experts in the field.

Going forward, the UK Cyber Effects Network will bring together representatives from industry, academia and Government to share their perspectives and develop thinking on offensive cyber.

For clarity, the UK Cyber Effects Network is administered by RUSI and sponsored by the National Cyber Force.

Core aims

Core aims of the UK Cyber Effects Network will be taken forward through three main pathways:

*developing the next generation of researchers, policymakers and practitioners through the Cyber Effects Fellowship Programme

*providing intellectual contributions by publishing novel research

*convening experts through workshops, scenarios and other interactive activities in order to build a stronger knowledge base for a UK community of interest on cyber effects issue

As referenced, the initiative will include publishing an edited collection of original papers that address conceptual, doctrinal, legal, policy, capability and technological aspects of offensive cyber operations. The Call for Abstracts for the edited collection is now open and will close on 30 September.

Ambitious initiative 

Conrad Prince, distinguished Fellow at RUSI and former director general for operations at GCHQ, said: “This is an ambitious and groundbreaking initiative. We really need a broader and more diverse range of voices developing new thinking on how democracies can responsibly make use of offensive cyber capabilities and conduct offensive cyber operations where required. The Cyber Effects Network is all about encouraging that.”

The UK Cyber Effects Network will establish the aforementioned Fellowship Programme for early-career professionals who are keen to deepen their knowledge and engage with the theory and practice of offensive cyber operations. Fellows will grow their networks with like-minded researchers and practitioners, enhance writing and policy skills and engage with practitioners from the UK cyber effects community.

Jamie MacColl, senior research Fellow in cyber and tech at RUSI, observed: “The six-month Fellowship Programme is a fantastic opportunity for early career policymakers, researchers and practitioners to develop their interest in offensive cyber operations.”