The CYBER/AI course is a two-week virtual, two-week in-residence course aimed at deepening participants' understanding of cyber-based defense and security threats to information and communication systems, critical infrastructure, social media, and convergent accelerated exponential technologies. Based on the evolution of the overall cybersecurity strategy of the United Sates and technological evolution, the program is designed to identify common risk areas in cybersecurity and cyber defense areas and their relationship to other domains for strategic policy analysis and further develop a common understanding of cyber lexicon, best practices, regional initiatives, and collaborative efforts to address common regional security challenges in cyberspace. The ambition is to develop participants’ strategic awareness of cyber threats, abilities to develop relevant policy responses, and take advantage of emerging technologies to better protect government agencies, critical infrastructure, and citizenries from cyberattacks.
Main topics include:
The objective of this course is to deepen the participants' understanding and ability to analyze the landscape of threats and other challenges that arise from a growing dependence on cyberspace. Graduates will be able to conduct preliminary cybersecurity political and strategic assessments and will be able to identify the main areas of risk and vulnerabilities within the operations of their own organization or country. They will then use the following skills to develop effective institutional and national policies and strategies to improve cybersecurity.
Participants will engage in an intensive program of readings, conferences, lectures, discussions, case studies, and preparation for a simulation exercise. Civilian and military participants will become aware of and apply concepts critical to cybersecurity and other transnational threats like drug trafficking, money laundering, hacktivism, and terrorism using the cyber domain. Participants will understand and evaluate the decision-making process in designing policy and strategies to combat cybercrime and hacktivism.
This course is tailored for senior officials responsible for developing or influencing cyber legislation, policies, or practices. Ideally, participants should be from one of the following communities:
Individuals are limited to receiving two (2) scholarships to attend in-residence courses per ten-year period, but are free to apply to additional in-residence courses in a fully self-funded status (the 18-month waiting period between attending in-residence courses still applies).
In accordance with Department of Defense policy, citizens of “high income” countries (as established by the World Bank) are not eligible for scholarships. As of 01 July 2023, this restriction applies to the following Western Hemisphere nations and territories:
Citizens of these countries may still apply to courses, but in a fully self-funded status. Self-funded candidates must meet all eligibility standards and comply with all application requirements, including application deadlines, as well as being able to cover the expenses of their own travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals. US citizens cannot (by law) receive scholarships, but may also apply to attend in a self-funded status. US citizens and other self-funded candidates should contact the Registrar’s Office for additional guidance.
Candidates must possess a university degree or, in cases where a candidate does not hold a degree, equivalent practical experience. Military and police personnel must have completed a command and staff course or equivalent. Exceptions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
The CYBER/AI course is conducted in Spanish. There is simultaneous interpretation from English during some plenary sessions. Minimum professional reading skills in English are desired for candidates to read theoretical and conceptual materials. English speaking skills are not required.
