Back to All Events

9:35-10:35 Cyber Security in a Cross-Domain Environment : Threats for Naval Operations and Satellite Systems

Speaker(s): Patrick O'Keeffe, Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University (ISPK)

Threats in cyber space are constantly rising with severe consequences that go frequently
unnoticed. Current cyber security strategies are not able to counter and deter intrusions in
various domains that were previously taken for granted.

The rapid development of information and communication technologies poses a new
challenge to national and international actors, and thus militaries. In an unprecedented
manner, gaps in global security policies are emerging like never before. Reliance on the
benefits of cyber technologies, as well as protection against its vulnerabilities, presents a
security challenge across several domains, agencies, and national-level processes. The
overarching goal of a National Cyber Security Strategy (NCSS) is to ensure the integrity of
national sovereignty in cyber space and beyond.

At sea, ships and naval vessels heavily rely on modern communication and data exchange
technology. Within the global trade systems as well as in military operations, ships and
satellite systems are exposed to numerous vulnerabilities. Therefore, a comprehensive cyber
security strategy must include a multidimensional and multidisciplinary approach to protect
satellites and warships.

In his presentation, Patrick O'Keeffe will provide an overview of emerging and intensifying
cyber threats to naval platforms and space assets. His message: "It takes more than an
excellent IT solution to ensure sustainable protection of the sovereignty of naval vessels as
well as satellite systems."

REGISTER NOW >

Speaker Bio

Patrick O’Keeffe is a German Navy Officer serving as NATO Legal Advisor at the Centre of
Excellence for Operations in Confined and Shallow Waters (COE CSW), Managing Director
of AMC Solutions, and Non-Resident Fellow at the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel
University (ISPK), Center for Asia-Pacific Strategy and Security.

An aerospace engineer specialized in astrodynamics and satellite operations, and a former
military aviator, Patrick O'Keeffe is working in a multidisciplinary environment focusing on
cross-domain security of aerospace, maritime, and cyber strategies and policies.