Resilience in the Face of Emerging Threats

Abstract:

Effective preparedness and resilience require cutting-edge solutions in today's complex threat landscape. The DECIDE^® Platform, developed by Norwich University Applied Research Institutes (NUARI), is the premier preparedness exercise package. This paper highlights the value of exercises conducted on the DECIDE^® Platform. Exercises conducted with NUARI utilizing our DECIDE® Platform enhance cyber resilience, promote collaboration, and prepare participants for complex scenarios through simulation capabilities, stress testing, and after-action reports. The platform's adaptability, scalability, and secure communication features make it an indispensable tool for large-scale exercises, bridging geographical gaps and empowering decision-makers.

Introduction:

The increasing sophistication of cyber threats demands innovative solutions to ensure resilience. Exercises are critical in preparedness, allowing organizations to test incident response plans, identify vulnerabilities, and enhance decision-making. NUARI has also been at the forefront of understanding and mitigating the threats posed by information warfare. Our research has delved into the psychological and cognitive manipulation tactics employed by adversaries and the technological tools used to disseminate disinformation. NUARI's expertise in this area has been instrumental in developing strategies to counter these threats and protect critical information infrastructures.

The DECIDE^® Platform: A Versatile Tool

The DECIDE^® Platform has proven its worth in various exercise scenarios, spanning cybersecurity, information warfare, and cognitive security, where it effectively simulates complex threats, including cyber-attacks, and influences operations. Its ability to stress-test incident response plans, generate detailed after-action reports, and assess decision-making processes under information ambiguity has made it an invaluable asset for organizations seeking to enhance their resilience against evolving digital and cognitive threats.

The Army Cyber Institute’s (ACI’s) Jack Voltaic (JV) project showcased the DECIDE^® Platform's potential as a learning environment. Participants were able to gain valuable insights into cyber-critical infrastructure challenges, develop relationships with key stakeholders, and assess the effectiveness of their response strategies.

NUARI's Exercise Designers and Facilitators: The Human Element

While the DECIDE^® Platform provides the technical foundation, the expertise of NUARI's exercise designers and facilitators is equally vital. These specialists deeply understand the complex threats targeting critical infrastructures, including cyber-attacks, information warfare, and influence operations. Their ability to craft realistic scenarios, guide participants, facilitate discussions, and offer expert insights grounded in NUARI's research enhances the overall effectiveness of the exercise experience.

The Power of Distributed Exercises

The DECIDE^® Platform's ability to support distributed exercises is a significant advantage. In today's interconnected world, threats can originate from anywhere, and responses often involve coordination across multiple jurisdictions. Distributed exercises allow participants from different locations to collaborate seamlessly, simulating real-world scenarios and fostering a better understanding of interdependencies.

Conclusion

The DECIDE^® Platform and NUARI's experts constitute the most trusted preparedness package addressing cyber warfare and information operations. Its distributed environment enhances collaboration and preparedness, empowering decision-makers to counter-influence operations and cyber-attacks. As the threat landscape evolves, the DECIDE^® Platform remains indispensable for building resilience and ensuring a secure information environment.