By Christine June
Public Affairs Office
George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (March 19, 2015) – Professor Phil Lark, director of the Program on Cyber Security Studies at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, gives an overview of the Marshall Center’s new resident program PCSS to more than 50 attendees of the Department of State Africa Bureau’s Cyber Training Workshop for it Foreign Service Officers March 19 at the Marshall Center here.

Added to the Marshall Center’s curriculum December 2014, PCSS provides senior government officials with the professional knowledge and capabilities to deal with transnational cyber security challenges. The program is tailored for senior officials responsible for developing or influencing cyber legislation, policies or practices.

“The Program on Cyber Security Studies helps participants appreciate the nature and magnitude of today's threats, and develops a common understanding of the lexicon, best practices, and current initiatives within the public and private cyber sectors,” Lark said.

His overview of PCSS was right in line with this workshop's agenda. Topics included: “Cyber Policy in Africa – Challenges and Opportunities;” “Implementing the International Strategy for Cyber Space;” “Lay of the Land – an Overview of Digital Africa;” “Who Runs the Internet? Internet Governance;” “Deterring Cybercrime – Tools and Rules;” “Protecting your Infrastructure – Cybersecurity;” “Cyber Conflicts – Norms and Expectations: International Security;” “Human Rights On and Offline – Internet Freedom;” “Multilateral Engagements;” “The Role of U.S. Africa Command;” “Countering Violent Extremism Online;” “The Threat Landscape and Challenge of Information Sharing across Africa;” and, “Cyber Investments.”

Department of State Bureau of African Affairs focuses on the development and management of U.S. policy concerning the African continent.

The mission of the Marshall Center, as a vital instrument of German-American cooperation, is to create a more stable security environment by advancing democratic institutions and relationships; promoting active, peaceful, whole-of-government approaches to address transnational and regional security challenges; and, creating and enhancing enduring partnerships worldwide.