Tag Archive for: Defence

2023 Outlook: Allied Views on Security, Defence, NATO

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In 2023, NATO continued to monitor Allied citizens’ perceptions on defence and security. Findings show significant agreement that NATO membership makes foreign attack less likely (61 per cent, consistent with 2022), and support for increased defence spending has risen by five percentage points (40 per cent in 2023; 35 per cent in 2022). A majority of Allied respondents agree with their country continuing to provide support to Ukraine (63 per cent).

NATO Annual Tracking Research 2023 - Cover

About the study

Coverage: 31 NATO Allies plus Sweden: general population over 18 years of age. When this survey was conducted, Sweden was not a NATO member. Data from Sweden are not included in the calculation of the NATO total.

Sample size: In all countries polled online, a sample of at least 1,000 respondents per country was achieved. In countries surveyed by telephone, at least 500 individuals per country were interviewed. In total, 30,925 interviews were conducted.

Methodology: Online interviews, with quotas applied on gender, age and region. In Albania and Montenegro, interviews were conducted via telephone and random sampling.

All data have been weighted according to the latest population statistics.

Total data are calculated based on population distribution in the 31 Allied countries. Data from Sweden are not included in the calculation of the NATO total. When this survey was conducted, Sweden was a NATO Invitee. It became a NATO Ally on X March 2024.

Fieldwork period: 1 November – 6 December 2023.

Margin of error: The survey uses non-probability sampling. The indicative margin of error is ± 3%.

Trend data: 2022 data are based on interviews conducted among 30,993 interviews in the 30 NATO member countries between 7 and 29 November 2022. 2021 data are based on interviews conducted by Kantar among 28,909 adults in the 30 NATO member countries between 12 November and 2 December.

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Australia Ramps Up Cyber Defence, Aiming to Shield Against Modern Warfare Threats

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As the world watches the evolution of warfare in the 21st century, a significant shift is taking place down under. In November 2023, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel alongside defence industry officials congregated in Canberra, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s defence history. This gathering, known as the ADF’s Cyber Skills Challenge, is not just another event; it’s a testament to Australia’s commitment to fortifying its cyber-defence capabilities in an era where digital battlegrounds are as consequential as physical ones.

Strengthening the Cyber Frontline

The urgency to bolster cyber-defence mechanisms has never been more critical, especially in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has showcased the extensive use of cyberwarfare. The Australian Department of Defence (DoD), spurred by the Defence Strategic Review (DSR) released in April 2023, is on a mission to overhaul its cyber and information operations. The DSR’s recommendations are clear: to address non-geographic security threats effectively, integrating defence mechanisms for command, control, communications, and computer (C4) networks is imperative. Moreover, centralizing cyber domain capability development and management alongside building a skilled cyber workforce are steps the DoD cannot afford to overlook.

The Path to Cyber Resilience

The ADF’s Cyber Skills Challenge is just the tip of the iceberg in Australia’s comprehensive strategy to navigate the treacherous waters of modern hybrid warfare. With a sizable investment in the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA), earmarking $3.4 billion over the next decade, and the initiation of the AUKUS Innovation Challenge focusing on electronic warfare, the momentum is building. These initiatives are complemented by advancements in artificial intelligence, autonomy, and undersea warfare capabilities, underscoring the multifaceted approach Australia is taking to bolster its cyber capabilities and integration with other warfighting domains.

Leadership and Coordination at the Helm

At the heart of this transformative journey is Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness, who…

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UK defence ministry fined for Afghan data breach

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UK defence ministry fined for Afghan data breach

by AFP Staff Writers

London (AFP) Dec 13, 2023






The UK defence ministry has been fined �350,000 ($440,000) for disclosing personal information of 265 Afghans seeking to flee the Taliban, a data watchdog announced on Wednesday.

“This deeply regrettable data breach let down those to whom our country owes so much,” said UK data commissioner John Edwards.

The error saw the email addresses of hundreds of people, including Afghan interpreters potentially eligible for relocation to Britain, openly included in the “to” field, rather than blind copied.

It first came to light in September 2021, soon after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, and the chaotic efforts to evacuate vulnerable people from the country.

Ben Wallace, who was defence minister at the time, apologised and disclosed that one official had been suspended.

Britain’s Afghanistan evacuation plan has been widely criticised, with the government accused by MPs of “systemic failures of leadership, planning and preparation”.

Hundreds of Afghans eligible for relocation were left behind, many with their lives potentially at risk after details of staff and job applicants were left at the abandoned British embassy in Kabul.

In his ruling, Edwards said “very challenging” conditions on the ground and fast-paced decision-making were no excuse for not protecting personal information.

Those affected “were vulnerable to reprisal and at risk of serious harm,” he added. “When the level of risk and harm to people heightens, so must the response.”

A total of 245 people had their details inadvertently disclosed, 55 of whom had thumbnail pictures on their email profiles.

Two people “replied all” to all recipients and one included their location, Edwards’ office said.

“The data disclosed, should it have fallen into the hands of the Taliban, could have resulted in a threat to life,” it added in a statement.

Recipients were told to delete the email, change their email address and tell the team in charge of relocations of their new details via a secure form.

Two other data breaches were discovered during the investigation. A total of 265 people were affected in all three…

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Why cyber security is integral to national defence

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At a time of extreme volatility in the Middle East over the Israel-Gaza war and very real fears of a regional confrontation, several recent developments have shown that other factors are vital for international stability – especially the need for robust cyber security.

On Tuesday, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre released its annual review, highlighting the need for effective and adaptive cyber security that can keep up with the growing pace of online attacks. The report noted the risk artificial intelligence and aggressive state-aligned groups pose to critical infrastructure, as well as civic processes such as elections.

This warning should be alarming, but we are already seeing similar threats playing out around the world. DP World Australia, part of Dubai’s global ports operator DP World, was forced to take urgent action to restore landside freight operations at its ports following a cyber security incident on Friday. The attack on and ensuing disruption to this essential piece of trade infrastructure was so serious that Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil was involved, confirmed that the country’s Cyber Security Centre was providing technical advice and assistance to DP World.

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The dangers posed by a lapse in cyber security are particularly of note in the Middle East, which is the fastest-growing region in the world when it comes to internet adoption – already 98 per cent of the GCC’s population are online. With this connectivity, and the many advantages it brings, also come challenges; earlier this month the head of the UAE’s Cybersecurity Council, Dr Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, said more than 71 million attempted cyber-attacks in the Emirates had been blocked in the first three quarters of this year.

Cyber security, whether on personal computers, our smartphones or within a wider setting such as in the military or major businesses remains the first line of defence against online criminals and terrorists. To stay one step ahead of such a threat requires constant investment, innovation and co-operation. The UAE has always been aware of the risks that come with a high level of digital advancement. Last…

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