Espionage, Terrorism and Warfare in the Cyber Age



Overview

Providing an overview of the digital revolution’s impact on international security.

The day comprises four lectures that will explore the internet’s evolution, and cyber’s impact on espionage, warfare and terrorism. The lectures draw extensively on historic and contemporary case studies, and explore the future of security in the digital age. Ultimately, the day depicts how international security is evolving in the cyber era. 

Whilst this course examines a technical subject matter, this is not a technical course – students require only an interest in the field of international or cyber security.

This event will close to enrolments at 23:59 BST on 23 April 2025.

Programme details

9.45am:
Registration at Rewley House reception (for in-person attendees)

10am:
Security in the Digital Age
Craig Jarvis

An overview of the history of the internet, and the implications of the digital revolution on international security domains such as crime, sabotage, and surveillance.

11.15am:
Tea/coffee break

11.45am:
Cyber espionage
Neil Ashdown

Examines the revolutionary impact cyber has had on espionage and intelligence more broadly; compares traditional and cyber methods; and explores how the two interact.

1pm:
Lunch break

2pm:
Cyber warfare
Neil Ashdown

Focuses on cyber-warfare, drawing extensively on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, before imagining the future of warfare in the cyber era. 

3.15pm:
Tea/coffee break

3.45pm:
Cyber terrorism
Craig Jarvis

Examines the impact of digital technology on propaganda, financing, recruitment, and operations, before analysing how terrorists are embracing hacking. 

5pm: 
End of day

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee - in-person attendance (includes tea/coffee) £120.00
Course Fee - virtual attendance £110.00
Baguette Lunch £7.30
Hot Lunch £19.25

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutors

Dr Craig Jarvis

Speaker and Course Director

Dr Craig Jarvis is an independent researcher specialising in the nexus of international security and technology. He is the author of Crypto Wars, a political history of encryption, and is currently writing a book on cyber terrorism. He has worked extensively in the cyber security industry, including as the Chief Technology Officer of DXC Security, which during his tenure was the world’s largest security services company. Craig holds a PhD in cyber security and history from Royal Holloway, University of London, and Master’s degrees in both international security and cyber security. He is a guest lecturer at the University of Oxford, Imperial College and Royal Holloway, and has previously guest lectured at the British Military Academy. He sits on the Offensive Cyber Working Group's College of Experts, and is published  in journals including Intelligence & National Security and Internet Histories. 

Dr Neil Ashdown

Speaker

Dr Neil Ashdown is a researcher and consultant. Neil previously worked as an analyst for Jane’s, the open-source defence intelligence specialists, including as the deputy editor of Jane’s Intelligence Review from 2014 to 2019. His PhD examined public-private collaboration on cyber intelligence in the UK. 

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the price, but if you wish to stay with us the night before the course, then please contact our Residential Centre.

Accommodation in Rewley House - all bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished and each room has tea and coffee making facilities, Freeview television, and Free WiFi and private bath or shower rooms. Please contact our Residential Centre on +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk for details of availability and discounted prices. For more information, please see our website: https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/accommodation

IT requirements

For those joining us online

We will be using Zoom for the livestreaming of this event. If you’re attending online, you’ll be able to see and hear the speakers, and to submit questions via the Zoom interface. Joining instructions will be sent out prior to the start date. We recommend that you join the session at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start time – just as you might arrive a bit early at our lecture theatre for an in-person event.

Please note that this course will not be recorded.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support