Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
Key Points:
- Cybersecurity vulnerabilities of UN peace operations are increasing due to rapid changes in cyber capabilities of state and non-state actors.
- Missions can leverage cybersecurity infrastructure to support mandate implementation.
Summary:
This article discusses the evolving risks and opportunities related to cybersecurity in UN peace operations. The paper highlights the growing potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities faced by peace operations due to fast-moving changes in cyber capabilities of actors, asymmetric warfare, and global geopolitics. It also points out that internal trends in missions’ technology make them more vulnerable to cyber threats. Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for missions to use cybersecurity tools to enhance mandate implementation, such as in mediation and political settlements. The paper provides an overview of cyber threats facing peace operations and suggests ways to leverage cybersecurity for mandate implementation.
The article also addresses operational and policy challenges that have emerged and the efforts made by the Secretariat to address them. Recommendations for the UN include developing operational concepts and guidance for cyber threat assessments, articulating duty of care for staff privacy, considering cybersecurity measures in political processes, exploring boundaries for evading surveillance by host states, and reducing data exposure to cyber threats.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the importance of addressing cybersecurity risks in UN peace operations as they navigate a complex political and cybersecurity environment.
