The cyberspace domain is one that nations and companies alike are quickly trying to secure as well as militarize, yet it encompasses users all around the globe. Thus it is a domain for everyone to take part in. This presentation makes the case that the cyberspace domain is currently in its interim years akin to the interim years of the aerial domain between World War I and World War II. It is in this period that people must get involved in the domain to guide the debates, doctrine, and education that will secure its place in history. The presentation will compare the current state of cyberspace to that of the interim years of airpower and make the case that security professionals and hackers alike must adapt and take part in a rapidly evolving environment.
Robert M. Lee is the Founder and Director of hackINT, a 501©(3) non-profit organization that teaches entry level cyber security classes in the subjects of hacking, forensics, intelligence, and defense. Additionally, he is an active-duty US Air Force Cyberspace Operations Officer working under the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Agency where he leads a national level cyber defense team. Robert is also an Adjunct Lecturer at Utica College where he teaches graduate level classes in digital forensics and cyber counter intelligence in the M.S. Cybersecurity program. He received his B.S. from the United States Air Force Academy, his M.S. in Cybersecurity – Digital Forensics from Utica College, and is currently working on his PhD in War Studies at Kings College London where he is researching control systems cyber security. Robert has written on control system cyber security, the direction of the cyberspace domain, and advanced digital threats for publications such as Control Global, SC Magazine, Australia Security Magazine, Hong Kong Security Magazine, Cyber Conflict Studies Association, and Air and Space Power Journal. He has also presented related topics at thirteen conferences in eight countries as well as presenting critical infrastructure protection topics to multiple international think tanks. Lastly, he has taught over 500 students through hackINT and his time at Utica College. Routinely consulted for his expertise on such subjects, Robert M. Lee is an active cyber advocate and educator.