Frequently Asked Questions

Need more information about the Centre for Strategic Cyberspace + Security Science? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about our Centre. We also invite you to call our Media Relations Office or the Office of External Relations and Advancement for further information or to request contact with any member of staff or researchers.

What is our mission?

The internet has transformed contemporary society, allowing for new forms of communication and commerce that simply were not possible before its birth. However, as we integrate our lives more and more with online activities, we also become more vulnerable as individuals and societies.

CSCSS (The Centre for Strategic Cyberspace + Security Science) was founded in 2011 out of the need for a non-partisan, independent think tank that focuses on the issues, challenges and opportunities emerging from the rise of cyberspace.

Our mission is to provide critical analysis and intelligence on cyber fraud, crime, defense, terrorism and security.

Our goal is two-fold in identifying and researching the contemporary issues affecting cyberspace. First, we raise educational awareness of these issues through public reports, media and conferences. Second, we also offer independent consultancies to governments, organizations and companies on cyber security in order to support our research.

Unlike other think tanks, which are often formed to progress a particular ideological cause or objective, CSCSS believes that the best research is independent. We are strictly non-partisan. Most of our research is not classified and is available for public consumption.

 

Why is cyberspace security a global issue?

Cyber crime and fraud cost the global economy XXX in XXX. Cyber security is essential to building strong, thriving economies that are able to withstand shock. For nation states, this means strengthening security around fraud, and the protection of state information. As many of the businesses in this new economy are also based on the sale of intellectual property rights, CSCSS also deals with issues around the protection of property.

Although we frequently take cyber security as a given, its necessity can be seen when it collapses – when passwords are stolen and vital information, property or money is lost. In countries with high incidences of cyber crime, this also can become a hindrance to the economy as the perception of fraud can hinder international trade. CSCSS works with organizations, the private sector and government to raise awareness and share information on this issue.

At an international level, many of the current conflicts and power struggles are mirrored in cyberspace, as nation states strive for information dominance in framing reportage. The internet’s dependence on a network has also meant that states are increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks or surveillance. It also provides new ways of organizing terrorism with groups such as Al Qaeda and ISIS organize across national borders. CSCSS provides cutting edge intelligence on the likely outcome of these movements.

 

How do you select projects?

We select projects based on the advice of the experts in our Research Programs. Previous reports have focused on China’s cyberwars, gaming network threats, threats to US financial institutions, and the legal implications of international cyberwar. We also have upcoming conferences on open source government, cyber fraud, cyber crime, and cyber infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa.

Our experts are also available for comment or commentary to journalists on cyber issues.

 

Who are our experts?

Prior to the foundation of CSCSS, there was little cross-sector collaboration on critical cyber issues. CSCSS combines corporate, military, legal and academic expertise from around the globe to provide robust insight.

The organization functions as an umbrella organization for a range of programmes dedicated to fundamental issues: cyberspace, cyber warfare, cyberspace research and development, modelling and simulation, critical infrastructure protection, technology and security, and cyber security training.

CSCSS’ leadership is supplemented by an Advisory Board, and a network of additional consultants that can be brought in to work on projects when required.

Many of our staff are equipped with the appropriate security clearances to work with confidential information.

 

Where are we based?

CSCSS is registered as a non-profit center in the United Kingdom. However, our experts are based around the world, with the organization recently expanding its Sub-Saharan African and Asia/Pacific coverage.

We’re based in London, UK because that’s where we were founded. However we do have a presence in Washington D.C. near the nation’s capital. As our organization grows we are expanding our presence with plans for a dedicated presence in South Florida, within NASA’s Exploration Park complex

 

How are you funded?

CSCSS is a non-profit in order to enable a non-partisan and independent approach that allows us to work in partnership with industry and government across the globe.

We compete with other think tanks for funding and grants.We also generate revenue through our events, sponsored studies, programmes, projects, corporate partners and our consultancy. As a non-profit, the revenue we generate is applied to pay staff, researchers, and provides the funding required to create reports and studies.

 

When was CSCSS created?

CSCSS began in 2011 as a research as a research group to address the ‘big picture’ issues in cyberspace. CSCSS was founded by Richard Zaluski and in 2011 and incorporated as a nonprofit centre in the United Kingdom. CSCSS is an independent, nonprofit institution committed to exploring the most complex and consequential issues and challenges facing cyberspace and our society.

 

How does CSCSS select projects?

Project selection is driven by the research group doing the work. We welcome project proposals from individuals and industry which are presented to a CSCSS / Industry board to establish initial project viability. If accepted the project is then tracked and processes take place to gain funding. CSCSS competes with other organizations and universities for funds from government agencies and private foundations.

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