In an era where global threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace, maintaining security resilience is more critical than ever. In combination with a rapidly evolving technological landscape, staying ahead means embracing innovation and rethinking conventional defense paradigms.
In our latest #TechTalk, Amy Hogan-Burney, the lead of Microsoft’s Customer Security & Trust team, sat down with Nikos Loutas, NATO’s Director for Innovation, Hybrid, and Cyber Division, to discuss the changing threat landscape and how NATO is leveraging emerging technologies to enhance capabilities and security resilience amidst evolving global threats, including in cyberspace.
Loutas identifies three main changes in how NATO approaches defense due to disruptive technologies: enhanced capabilities, adversaries’ adoption of these technologies, and the necessity for public-private collaboration. According to Loutas, the war in Ukraine illustrates how the use of new technologies is a central element of the country’s defense, and the key role private companies play in providing such critical technologies.
NATO’s coordination among its 32 member countries is crucial for addressing security challenges, including cyber defense and technology planning, to shore up defense capabilities. NATO is committed to defending all of its allies not only on land, in the air, at sea, and in space, but also in cyberspace. A serious cyberattack or the cumulative impact of several malicious cyberattacks, Loutas explained, could trigger NATO’s collective defense clause.
Sharing real-time threat information, enhancing cyber resilience, and mitigating malicious cyber activities also require collaborative efforts with industry. NATO’s Integrated Cyber Center will bring these efforts together and streamline cyber defense processes.
Looking ahead, NATO will continue to work closely with tech companies to understand the potential of new technologies, such as AI and quantum, for defense applications to enhance operational readiness. The organization is focused on overcoming barriers to quickly integrate new technologies and develop agile procurement processes. Another important focus area in collaboration with industry is enhancing workforce skills and competencies, including cyber and digital skills, to meet future challenges.
Watch the full #TechTalk with Nikos Loutas.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is a political military alliance of 32 countries in Europe and North America. Its purpose is to protect its member countries and their one billion citizens against any threat from any direction. Learn more about NATO here.