On February 5, 2026, the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies participated in the Ad Hoc Working Group on Cyber Defense and Cyberspace, convened under the Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas (CDMA), bringing together representatives from 18 countries across the hemisphere. The working group facilitated common agenda-setting among security and defense leaders to address evolving cyber threats, with an emphasis on cooperation, information sharing, and the protection of critical infrastructure. The CDMA continues to serve as a key multilateral forum for advancing regional dialogue and strengthening collective security in cyberspace.
Brigadier General José Miguel Whittembury Isla of the CDMA Executive Secretariat (Peru) and Performing the Duties of Assistant Secretary of War for Homeland Defense and Americas Security Affairs Joseph Humire delivered the opening remarks. Humire highlighted the role of the National Security Strategy in shaping Department of War priorities and emphasized cybersecurity as both a strategic and diplomatic tool that strengthens alliances, enables cooperation through military and National Guard channels, and advances the principle of peace through strength in the hemisphere.
Discussions throughout the working group focused on two core thematic areas: cyber workforce development and regional approaches to cyber defense. Participants examined shared challenges related to recruiting, training, and retaining cyber professionals within defense institutions, highlighting the importance of developing adaptable career pathways, integrating cyber capabilities across joint forces, and investing in human capital to ensure long-term cyber readiness. The dialogue emphasized that a skilled and resilient cyber workforce remains foundational to effective defense operations in the digital domain.
Participants also exchanged regional perspectives on cyber defense, sharing national experiences in building cyber capabilities, strengthening institutional coordination, and responding to cyber threats. Despite differing threat environments and capacities, representatives identified common priorities, including protecting critical infrastructure, enhancing information sharing, and fostering regional cooperation to improve resilience. The discussions reinforced the value of multilateral engagement through CDMA as a mechanism for aligning efforts and advancing collective cybersecurity objectives across the hemisphere.
The working group further featured presentations on ongoing hemispheric cyber initiatives, including the CDMA Cyber Defense Exercise and cybersecurity efforts led by the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, the Inter-American Defense College, and the Inter-American Defense Board. These presentations underscored the role of professional military education and practical exercises in strengthening interoperability.
Perry Center Director Dr. Paul Angelo provided a presentation on the Center’s cybersecurity efforts and delivered an accompanying organizational brief highlighting our mission, programs, and activities across the hemisphere.
The working group concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Max Shafron, CDMA Lead for the United States Department of War, and General Whittembury Isla, who reaffirmed CDMA’s role as a vital platform for fostering trust, cooperation, and shared understanding among defense partners in addressing cyber threats in the Americas.
