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Knowledge & Research Security

by Enrico Henriksson on April 16, 2024

This Article Knowledge & Research Security was first published on Signpost Six. | https://www.signpostsix.com/

In a world where knowledge is as open as it is vulnerable, safeguarding your institution’s intellectual assets is paramount. Signpost Six stands at the forefront of this mission, offering bespoke solutions to ensure your collaborations thrive — securely and openly.

On Knowledge Security

Knowledge security refers to the prevention of undesirable transfers of sensitive knowledge and technology. This specifically concerns technologies which could compromise national security such as dual-use technologies. Knowledge security also refers to the prevention of covert influence upon education and research environments, Such interferences places academic freedom and social safety under jeopardy.

Key Developments

Academia continues to play a key sociopolitical and economic role in local and national contexts, sitting at the forefront of technological developments impact national security.
We are seeing unprecedented shifts in legislative frameworks, creating new barriers and safeguards that academic institutions to navigate.
The fundamental values of openness and collaboration are under threat from the ripple effects of academic espionage.
The duty of care over the social safety of employees and students has never been harder to ensure.

Universities: “Magnetic Targets”

Academic espionage, and efforts to strengthen the knowledge security safeguards, have become leading topics in the realm of national security. MI5 boss McCallum went as far to describe the academic environments as “Magnetic targets for espionage and manipulation”.

But what is it about academic institutions that is so attractive to foreign nation-state actors?

Open environments: Universities rely on and strive thanks to their open-door and collaborative environments. But when are these doors too wide to effectively protect the sensitive knowledge developed within academic institutions? The rise in academic espionage has seen universities and governments shut their doors to foreign researchers and students. A fine balance is evidently yet to be struck between the vital openness of academia whilst ensuring the adequate protection of knowledge and security.

Technological innovations: Universities are not only targeted due to the open environment in which they collaborate. Rather, the depth and breadth of technologies developed at universities, and their potential dual-use applicability, represent incredibly attractive targets for foreign strategic powers to acquire innovative solutions at a fraction of the cost of development.

Modus Operandi: Foreign actors use a range of methods to acquire knowledge and technology from academic institutions. This can include the exploitation of academic partnerships, the recruitment of strategic individuals to talent programmes, the infiltration of students and researchers, or the coercion of (former) compatriots now working abroad.

Our Solutions

Strategic Asset Protection: Identify and secure critical assets and research.
Threat Intelligence Briefs: Stay ahead with up-to-date security threats and trends.
Case Management & Reporting: Enhance incident handling with robust protocols.
Awareness Programmes: Elevate security consciousness among staff.
Guidance for Complex Decisions: Navigate difficult scenarios with expert advice.
Risk Management: Safeguard collaborations and third-party interactions.
Advanced Security Tooling: Implement cutting-edge solutions like UEBA and DLP.
Screening Advice: Ensure thorough vetting of collaborators to mitigate insider threats.
Regulatory Compliance Guidance: Navigate evolving government legislation.