Global Cybersecurity Policy & Norms Training Course

Introduction

In an increasingly digitized and interconnected world, mastering Global Cybersecurity Policy & Norms is absolutely critical for policymakers, diplomats, legal experts, and security professionals seeking to navigate the complex landscape of cyberspace and ensure international stability. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip government officials, foreign service officers, international organization staff, legal advisors, technology policy analysts, and national security strategists with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required for understanding cyber threats, analyzing international legal frameworks, and shaping responsible state behavior in cyberspace. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the technical foundations of cybersecurity, the evolving nature of cyber warfare and espionage, the principles of international law applicable to cyberspace, the development of cyber norms, and the strategic implications of digital vulnerabilities for national security and global governance. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes hands-on analysis of current cyber incidents, real-world case studies pertinent to complex cyber diplomacy challenges, and best practices for fostering international cooperation and digital resilience.

This international cyber governance and digital diplomacy course is crucial for individuals and organizations striving to move beyond purely technical cybersecurity measures towards a proactive, strategic approach to managing the multifaceted political, economic, and security dimensions of cyberspace. Mastering cyber threat intelligence, implementing effective national cybersecurity strategies, and understanding strategies for multilateral cyber diplomacy are indispensable for protecting critical infrastructure, safeguarding data privacy, preventing cybercrime, upholding human rights in the digital realm, and fostering a stable and open global internet. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in strategic cybersecurity policy and digital international relations, positioning your organization at the forefront of global cyber governance and driving significant long-term value creation through enhanced digital security, improved international stability, and informed foreign policy in the digital age.

Target Audience

• Government Officials (Defense, Foreign Affairs, Digital Policy)
• Foreign Service Officers & Diplomats
• International Organization Staff (UN, ITU, ICANN)
• Legal Advisors specializing in International Law & Cyber Law
• Cybersecurity Policy Analysts & Researchers
• National Security & Intelligence Professionals
• Critical Infrastructure Protection Managers

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of global cybersecurity and its policy dimensions.
• Learn about the evolving landscape of cyber threats, actors, and their motivations.
• Master the principles of international law as they apply to state conduct in cyberspace.
• Develop proficiency in analyzing the development and implementation of international cyber norms.
• Explore best practices for designing and assessing national cybersecurity strategies.
• Understand the critical aspects of internet governance and its multilateral dimensions.
• Learn about robust strategies for fostering international cooperation in cybersecurity.
• Identify the critical role of capacity building and technical assistance in global cybersecurity.
• Develop skills in advocating for responsible state behavior and trust-building in cyberspace.
• Understand the ethical considerations and human rights implications in cybersecurity policy.
• Explore strategies for protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring supply chain security.
• Drive the implementation of comprehensive cybersecurity policies and diplomatic initiatives.
• Position yourself as a leader in shaping a secure, stable, and open global cyberspace.

Duration

5 Days

Course Outline

Module 1. Introduction to Cybersecurity & Global Impact

• Defining cybersecurity, cyberspace, and their interconnectedness
• The evolving threat landscape: state-sponsored attacks, cybercrime, hacktivism
• Impacts of cyber incidents on national security, economies, and societies
• Key actors in cyberspace: states, non-state actors, private sector
• The strategic importance of cyberspace in international relations

Module 2. International Law in Cyberspace

• Applicability of existing international law to cyberspace: UN Charter, IHL
• Debates over cyber warfare and the principles of necessity and proportionality
• Sovereignty in cyberspace: implications for cross-border operations
• The role of attribution in cyber incidents
• Legal frameworks for cybercrime: Budapest Convention and national laws

Module 3. Development of Cybersecurity Norms & Confidence-Building Measures

• The UN Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) and Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) processes
• Key cyber norms for responsible state behavior in peacetime
• Confidence-building measures (CBMs) in cyberspace to reduce escalation risks
• Regional initiatives and frameworks for cyber norms
• Challenges in achieving consensus on cyber norms

Module 4. National Cybersecurity Strategies & Policy Implementation

• Components of a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy
• Legal, technical, organizational, and capacity-building pillars
• Public-private partnerships in cybersecurity
• Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) and cyber resilience
• Incident response frameworks and crisis management in the cyber domain

Module 5. Internet Governance & Multistakeholderism

• The evolution of internet governance: historical overview and key actors
• Roles of governments, private sector, civil society, and technical community
• ICANN and domain name system (DNS) security
• Debates over internet fragmentation and digital sovereignty
• Promoting an open, secure, and reliable global internet

Module 6. Cybersecurity Diplomacy & International Cooperation

• The role of diplomacy in shaping global cybersecurity policy
• Bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms: information sharing, joint exercises
• Capacity building for developing countries in cybersecurity
• Combating cybercrime across borders: mutual legal assistance
• Leveraging international forums for cyber stability

Module 7. Emerging Issues & Future of Cyber Policy

• The cybersecurity implications of artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, IoT
• Supply chain security risks and mitigation strategies
• Data governance, privacy, and cross-border data flows
• The nexus between cybersecurity and human rights
• Future trends in cyber warfare and the evolving threat landscape

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.