The UNICRI Masterclass on Cyber Threats aims to provide media and public relations professionals, as well as those planning a career in public information and communication, with a deeper understanding of new security threats to states and citizens. The focus of the course is on cyber threats, internet governance and the role of media.

The advances in information technologies and modern society’s dependence on digital infrastructure have generated new threats and challenges to be addressed. Cyber warfare, terrorist use of the internet, cyber espionage, online crimes against property and persons embody growing transnational menaces to civil society in a hyper-connected world. Conversely, governments’ responses to counter cyber threats and to safeguard national security through the internet are triggering an ethical debate: are security measures putting freedom of expression in danger?

Accurate information is critical to generate appropriate levels of concern from governments and the civil society. Public information professionals and journalists have to address security issues associated with new information technology advances. These developments require a deep understanding and level of specialization to match the pressure and expectations of media professionals’ daily work.

Over the two-day course participants will become acquainted with the latest developments in cyber threats, countering cyber crime measures, internet governance and privacy issues. Journalists and public information professionals will acquire key tools to find and verify sources reliability, to secure their personal information and media infrastructures, to frame ethical debates on national security and freedom of expression. Participants will meet high-level cyber security experts, as well as practitioners from international organizations and media professionals in this field, expanding their professional network in a select, international environment.

More info: http://unicri.it/services/education_training/journalism_public_information_programme/cyber_threats_workshop/