Dr Maitland Hyslop’s Post

Critical Infrastructure - What has Storm Arwen (2021/22) Got To Do With Russian Cyber Attacks? In 2021/22 Storm Arwen caused much damage across parts of the UK. Following this up demonstrated that National and Local Resilience plans needed revision. Importantly the storm also higlighted ignorance (Automation Paradox ?) in telcos. Famously they thought the telephone 'lines' ran underground to Kielder Reservoir. Famously they 'forgot' if the internet was down you cannot make telephone calls these days...telling customers near Kielder to 'switch' to their landlines, or use a 'phone box, forgetting they had been discontinued. What has changed in the interim? Well, apparently not very much. There is no telephone resilience. Analogue lines are still being discontinued. Additionally, the race to 5G has meant much 4G/3G infrastructure has been discontinued leaving many parts of the UK with about the same reliable mobile coverage as in 2004! What has changed in the interim? Well, a lot. Russia has invaded the Ukraine and stepped up cyber attacks, particularly on Britain. If, as is a stated aim, Putin really does try and bring the UK to a halt via a full scale cyberinfrastrcuture attack - where is the telco resilience? Additionally, the Crowdstrike and Microsoft troubles have highlighted key vulnerabilities in the wider communication system. This question has not yet been answered by either the UK Government or the telcos. Kielder, by the way, the largest reservoir in Europe, is a significant piece of national critical infrastructure, owned/operated by Chinese companies. Andy Jenkinson regularly comments on the nationwide problem with insecure DNS servers and poor cyber defences in general. The UK is overly dependent on the Internet for communications. See photo. #Telcos #Resilience #UKGovernment #Russia #Russiancyberattacks #Ukraine #Cyberattacks #DNSServers #CyberDefence #UKResilience #Internet #Crowdstrike #Microsoft

Critical Infrastructure: Agriculture Could not say it better Philip Atkins OBE

Critical Infrastructure: Buckinghamshire New University Aviation Security Aviation security faces several key issues today, including: Cybersecurity Threats: As the aviation industry becomes increasingly reliant on digital technologies, the risk of cyberattacks on critical systems, including air traffic control and airline operations, has grown. Protecting against these threats is a top priority. Insider Threats: Employees and contractors with access to sensitive areas or information pose a risk if they have malicious intent or if they are inadvertently compromised. Effective screening and monitoring processes are essential. Emerging Security Technologies: The introduction of new technologies such as biometrics, advanced screening methods, and artificial intelligence can greatly enhance security but also present challenges in implementation, privacy, and compliance. Regulatory Compliance: Airlines and airports must comply with a complex web of national and international security regulations. Keeping up with changes in regulations and ensuring compliance can be a significant burden. Passenger Behaviour: Evolving passenger expectations for convenience and speed can conflict with security measures. Balancing efficient travel experiences with thorough security checks remains a challenge. Terrorism and Evolving Threats: The threat of terrorism in aviation is persistent, requiring continuous monitoring and adaptation of security measures. New methods of attack, such as the use of drones or cyber means, pose additional challenges. Functionality vs. Security: Achieving a balance between operational efficiency and rigorous security protocols is essential. Measures that slow down passengers or create inconvenience may lead to pushback from stakeholders. Resource Allocation: Limited resources can hinder effective security measures. Ensuring that security personnel are adequately trained and equipped is critical for maintaining safety. Global Coordination: International travel complicates security as harmonizing standards and practices across different countries can be difficult. Effective collaboration between nations is necessary for comprehensive security measures. Pandemic Preparedness: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in health security within aviation. Future security frameworks must also incorporate health considerations, ensuring preparedness for biological threats. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that combines technology, governance, training, and international cooperation to enhance the overall security and resilience of the aviation industry. Buckinghamshire New University's School of Aviation and Security is the leading UK Higher Education link between the UN International Civil Aviation Organization international training programme for these matters. So it, too, matters. It's revamped Aviation courses meet modern needs. #Aviation #AviationSecurity #ICAO #BuckinghamshireNewUniversity

Halliburton Cyber Attack For Oil and Gas colleagues...take care with any connections to Halliburton please...info from Europe...Middle East...Far East.

Cybersecurity/warfare and ‘The Invisible Apocalypse’ Audience: General Interest/Cyber Groups/Students (LinkedIn), Students/General Interest (Facebook), Faculty/Students (University Website) Really pleased to be able to announce the publication of The Invisible Apocalypse – available on Amazon and Kindle. (Formatting is often an issue on Amazon, so forgive any issues on that score). It is co – written with Daniel White, who wrote most of the historical viewpoint as a third year ‘first class’ honours student at Erasmus University in Rotterdam when an intern in the summer of 2024 at the University of Buckingham, and the University of Buckingham 2024 Cyber Challenges Undergraduate Course, plus some reflections from AI. The purpose is to look at cybersecurity from a slightly different historical perspective, but concentrating on inter state conflict, and to offer some case studies. The work helps to reference cybersecurity/warfare for those new to the subject. The book raises some interesting questions, not least why ‘big tech’ and the West have not done more to counter cyber-attacks. In a parallel event level Kings College London have  introduced https://lnkd.in/eAk_uFDj - worth looking at in the first and subsequent university years too. It is a sad reflection on life today that it is unwise to publicise the names of the undergraduates who contributed the case studies. Nevertheless, their contribution is welcome. Since 2015 in the UK, USA, Middle East and Far East I have had the pleasure of informing students by reference to my own books. Books/Chapters by Dr Maitland Hyslop since 2014: Hyslop, M.P. & White D.P. (2024) The Invisible Apocalypse: A Brief History and Analysis of Inter State Cyber Warfare, BUCSIS/Reiver, UK. ISBN 9798836999575 Hyslop, M.P. (2022) The Elephant In The Boardroom: A Cybersecurity Aide Memoire for Boards, Directors, CEOs and Managers, Reiver, UK. ISBN 9798836999575. Hyslop, M.P. (2021) La Filipina (A Novel About Trafficking), Reiver, UK. ISBN9798786759847 Hyslop, M.P. (2021) On the Middle East Part 2: An Introduction To The Middle East, Reiver, UK. ISBN: 97998536848098 Hyslop, M.P. (2021) On the Middle East Part 1: An Expatriate Journal 2014 – 2019, Reiver, UK. ISBN: 9798598878774 Hyslop, M.P. (2020) On War: Modern Agile Conflict: The Threat to Britain, Reiver, UK. ISBN: 9798570764668 Hyslop, M.P. (2019) An Asymmetric Life. Reiver, UK. (Private) Hyslop, M.P. Ed. (2015) Radio Frequency and Wireless Strategy, Etihad Rail/Reiver, Abu Dhabi, UAE.  Hyslop, M.P. (2014) Obstructive Marketing (Challenges to Globalising Companies), Gower, London, UK. Hbk: ISBN 9781472416056. Pbk: ISBN 9781138279810 #cyberwarfare #interstatewarfare #cybersecurity #cybercrime #ransomware #governanceriskcompliance #grc #riskmanagement #universityofbuckingham #erasmusuniversity #kingscollegelondon

The Relevance of the Hitch Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy to Civil Disturbance In The UK There is a strange reluctance in the UK to deal with issues as they are - no matter which party is in power. We are told, daily, that national resources will be deployed without limit to jail those who riot. Laudable one would assume. But this deals with symptoms, creates further problems in already struggling infrastructure and plays into the hands of the enemies of the state - those who are creating the atmosphere for the disturbance to begin in the first place. The UK is not addressing causes, nor communicating appropriately with the country about what is actually going on. There are two universes - the real one and the one the government keeps trying to tell its citizens is the real one. The first reality is that the UK is at war. Not traditional war but war all the same. Having helped arm Ukraine and given permission for UK armaments to be used against and inside Russia is there any wonder that Russia may retaliate. Putin says it will. Where are the public information broadcasts warning the populace of such? The same applies, more or less, to China who see opportunities in waging non - traditional warfare against the UK. There is history to all this - but, sadly, the lessons of history are no longer taught. The 42 Vectors of War employed by both China and Russia, to a greater or lesser extent, favour non - traditional warfare as the means of war. Cyber, undersea cables, shorting markets, encouraging traditional war in others, supporting the Palestinian cause (nothing wrong with that - but maybe there is if you subversively finance it in Cambridge), upsetting elections, stoking riots. The general public are not told of any of this. Our communities are pitted against each other. Both sides have clear grievances - one is not supported by its elected Government and the other struggles to get any attention from any Government. One is viciously secular, the other consists of some of the most devout group(s) in the UK. Both have been virtually abandoned as a relevant voting force, except by extremists. The current Government emphasizes honesty - time to be so or they will not be the answer to everything, as they and the guide suggest, and they will propel us to the destination of the guide: a universe that's random and absurd. Russia has previously financed the UK Miner's Strike, UK Industrial Strife e.g. BL, anti British participation in the Iraq War, the Palestinians, fixing Western elections, stoking anti Ukraine feelings. misinformation and UK riots - to name a few. Don't be naive. Recognise what is going on for what it is: War in 42 different guises. #HitchHikersGuideToTheGalaxy #UKGovernment #42TheAnswerToEverything #ChineseDoctrine #RussianDoctrine #UKRiots

Graduation - Buckinghamshire New University - 23rd July 2024 I signed off a 2 year employment as a Senior Lecturer at Buckinghamshire New University last week by attending the 2024 Graduation ceremony for Security, Intelligence students Sophie D., Vikki Starkey, Avtar P. in the company of fellow lecturers Fiona Galbraith, Mike Croll, and other academic/staff members. In addition to graduation Avtar P. was named the School of Aviation and Security's valedictorian in recognition not only of his academic achievement but also his wider contribution to the university and society. His speech was testament to his public speaking ability, overcoming a disability, and his example to his and every other generation. I could say the same of both Sophie D. and Vikki Starkey - overcoming difficult backgrounds, prejudice, landing a degree whilst nursing two children etc. All three achieved top class degrees and are an example of what focus, persistence and, yes, ambition can do. As with last year's graduates each will carve for themselves worthwhile careers in the military, government service or the private sector. Lecturing/mentoring this generation has been humbling for a number of reasons: firstly, they are more worldly wise than I was at the same age; secondly, they are more mature; thirdly, they have had to find money to undertake these courses ( I had my initial degrees paid for), and, finally, they have had to overcome a range of personal difficulties ranging from health through difficult backgrounds to prejudice to achieve a result. Buckinghamshire New University prides itself on its diversity and inclusion agenda - but it also turns out, as herein, top class students who can hold their heads high in any academic environment. The School of Aviation and Security demonstrated this last week. Under its new leader Dr Leah Fox it will continue to do so. www.bucks.ac.uk #BuckinghamshireNewUniversity #BuckinghamNewUniversitySchoolofAviationandSecurity