Cyber Security in the Context of International Security 2026

On 24 February 2022, the international security order as we knew it changed. Russia’s armed force’s entry into the territory of Ukraine is an armed aggression that combines cyber attacks, disinformation, and kinetic efforts. Threat actors include government agencies, state-sponsored threats, organized cybercrime groups, and hacktivists. Their motives can be to steal intellectual property (knowledge), espionage, destruction, or cybercriminal reasons. Many cases supporting this notion exist, such as WannaCry, NotPetya, and REvil. What are the current trends in threats, risks, and vulnerabilities? How do threat actors exploit vulnerabilities to conduct ransomware attacks? What are cyber-enabled disinformation operations?

Participate in understanding Cyberspace as an operational environment and strategies for addressing threats, risks, and vulnerabilities. The GCSP Cyber Security Cluster brings together policymakers, military-, intelligence, and legal “pracademics” (=practitioners and academics) to equip participants with a comprehensive program in cyber security. With a scientific base on holism, cybernetics and systems theory, and a mix of strategy and research, this program provides participants with an overview of threats, vulnerabilities and impact of cyber attacks, and effective responses to these challenges.

This is likely the only executive education program where participants have an opportunity to meet high-ranking experts on cyber security in virtual international Geneva.

Learning objectives

Our unique learning approach means that you will participate in interactive virtual workshops while taking advantage of both self-paced and social learning opportunities.

On this learning journey, you will explore new resources and engage with your peers through an interactive online platform, enjoy discussion fora with participants and pracademics and take advantage of opportunities for deeper and meaningful online conversations during group works. It means upon completion of this journey, you will be able to:

• Describe and analyse cyberspace as an operational environment (infrastructure, attack surfaces, defensive architecture).
• Identify and assess threats, vulnerabilities, risks, and incidents; map ransomware and data-extortion kill chains from initial access to impact.
• Design and evaluate organisational mitigations and incident-response options; prioritise controls that improve cyber resilience.
• Examine and articulate the role of cybersecurity within international security—linking technical measures to policy, legal, and geopolitical considerations.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to decision-makers through concise briefs and a policy paper.

By combining hands-on exercises, expert presentations and dialogue amongst course participants, the course promotes an active learning approach to cyber security in the context of international security. You will also have an opportunity to produce a policy paper on a topic of interest and participate in a cyber simulation exercise.

Upon successful completion, you will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and contacts to operate in cyber security.

All information you need to know (language, certification, technical and application process) before applying to the GCSP are available here. 

You will receive a GCSP certificate once you have completed all the course modules to the satisfaction of the course director.

This course is intended for those working for an organization or are in a position responsible for or may soon be responsible for cyber security.

Regular participants come from a variety of professional backgrounds including:

• Government officials (including cyber policy officials, diplomats, military officers, intelligence analysts),
• Staff from international organizations,
• Non-profits, and
• The corporate sector.

2500 CHF for government and law enforcement 1900 CHF for academia, NGOs 
15% Early-Bird Discount if you apply before 05 07 2026. GCSP Alumni qualify for a 20% discount on the standard rate of 3200 CHF.