The Threats Ahead: What will 2024 have in store for global security?
To find out, check out Episode 19 of the Cyjax Geopolitical and Cybersecurity Podcast. Here’s a summary of what’s on the table…
A new year brings new threats! So join our CISO Ian Thornton-Trump CD and his guests Lisa Forte, Partner at Red Goat Security and Philip Ingram MBE of Grey Hare Media, for expert analysis of how some of the more compelling world events set to take place this year could impact global stability and security.
The world at the polls
The next 12 months will see a number of elections across the globe, opening the door to the threat of disinformation and tampering, with the panel identifying the pivotal countries to watch. First off, Phil and Lisa consider the upcoming Russian vote, with the discussion taking an ominous tone as the pair reflect on Vladimir Putin’s past responses to critics of his regime. Can we expect more gravity-related incidents in the run up to the polls opening in March?
India, the world’s largest democracy, will also invite its people to vote in the spring. The country’s growing population and rising global importance is making it an increasingly sought-after strategic partner for many powerful states. However, the likely spread of disinformation by the country’s competing political parties could destabilise the process to a major degree. Lisa cites the recent Brazilian election experience as a warning of what could transpire. Meanwhile, Phil unveils the magnitude of the problem brought to light in recent research, placing the Indian elections in context and identifying a potential lynch pin in geopolitical relationships.
Changing conflicts
With war raging in key regions, the panel discusses how current conflicts might pan out over the coming year. Will the opposing factions on the Russia/Ukraine border continue to grind forward with no significant or decisive outcome or is the conflict heading towards a decisive conclusion? Whatever scenario materialises, the cost in Russian and Ukrainian lives is likely to accelerate. Lisa contrasts the current stagnation of the physical war with recent success by hacktivist and Russian APT actors in attacking Ukraine and Western targets.
Addressing the relatively new Hamas and Israel war, the panel discuss how long this is likely to persist in 2024 and reflect on how the war represents the latest stirring up of hostilities long established by western powers at the end of World War II. The big question is what impact will be felt across the region. One of the key players in this struggle is Iran, which the panel identifies as the patient protagonist, managing so far to be both “near to and far away from” the conflict. Wielding considerable cyber and military, para-military and insurgent forces in the region, should Iran’s machinations sound alarm bells?
America decides
Of all 2024’s elections, the big US vote is arguably the one that will attract the most global attention. The panel conducts a lively debate on the warning signs to look out for from both the cyber and geopolitical perspective. With many countries having a major interest in the outcome, the panel look at the likelihood of Russia and China taking sides to influence a favourable result. Intriguingly, Phil discusses why the Irish vote could be one of the more beneficial routes for successful Russia interference.
Meanwhile, the debate moves on to consider the double-edged sword of motivating a turnout by leveraging divisive issues balanced against campaigns to demotivate through messages focusing on the futility of the election process. The final BIG question of Trump’s candidacy and his viability as a president is then addressed. Are we in an era of “anything-can-happen” American politics? And what might this mean for the US and beyond?
Check out Episode 19 of the Cyjax Geopolitical and Cybersecurity Podcast now to find out all this and more!
More on Russia/Ukraine: As referred to in this episode, you can catch up on the tactical situation in the Russia/Ukraine conflict by listening to Phil’s personal podcast.