Cyber Espionage, Influence and Warfare

Overview

In an era where digital conflict shapes global security, understanding the mechanics of cyber espionage and warfare is crucial. This event delves into the covert operations, geopolitical impact, and evolving tactics that define modern cyber threats. 

The first half explores attribution, uncovering the complexities of tracing cyber covert actions and identifying perpetrators behind sophisticated attacks. A deep dive into cyber espionage examines whether it represents a revolutionary shift or a natural evolution of traditional intelligence-gathering. Participants will also analyse digital deception, learning how disinformation campaigns erode trust, destabilize societies, and influence geopolitics. 

The latter half shifts to cyber proliferation and conflict. Participants will investigate the marketplace of cyber exploits, uncovering how cyber tools are bought, sold, and weaponised. A case study of cyber operations in the Russo-Ukraine war offers real-world insights into digital battlefield tactics. Finally, the event examines the future of warfare in a hyper-connected world before closing with strategies for countering cyber threats - balancing defence, policy, and proactive cybersecurity measures. 

Designed for professionals, researchers, and enthusiastic beginners, this event provides an engaging blend of technical insight and strategic analysis. Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of cyberspace as a contested domain of power, deception, and resilience. 

Please note:

  • Whilst this course does cover a technical topic, this is not a technical course. 
  • This event will close to enrolments at 23:59 BST on 6 May 2026.

  • Due to the nature of the contents of this day, this is not suitable for people under 18 years old.

Programme details

Saturday 9 May

9.45am
Registration at Rewley House reception

10am
Attributing Cyber Covert Actions: Unmasking the Hackers
Craig Jarvis  

11am
Tea and coffee break

11.30am
Cyber Espionage: Revolution or Evolution? (I) 
Craig Jarvis

1pm
Lunch break

2pm
Cyber Espionage: Revolution or Evolution? (II) 
Craig Jarvis

3.30pm
Tea and coffee break

4pm
Disinformation: Weakening Nations with Deception
Craig Jarvis

5pm
End of day

7pm
Dinner (optional)

Sunday 10 May  

8am
Breakfast (for those staying at Rewley House)

10am
Cyber Proliferation: Hacking for Sale  
Craig Jarvis

11.15am
Tea and coffee break

11.45am
Cyber Conflict in the Russo-Ukraine War
Neil Ashdown

1pm
Lunch break

2pm
The Future of Warfare in the Digital Age
Neil Ashdown 

3.15pm
Tea and coffee break

3.45pm
Countering Cyber Threats  
Craig Jarvis

5pm
End of weekend

Fees

Description Costs
Event Fee (includes tea/coffee) £230.00
Saturday baguette lunch £7.50
Saturday dinner £31.50
Saturday hot lunch £21.25
Single B&B (Saturday night) £121.50
Sunday baguette lunch £7.50
Sunday hot lunch £21.25

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutors

Dr Neil Ashdown

Dr Neil Ashdown is a researcher and consultant who has written extensively on security and intelligence matters. Neil holds a PhD from Royal Holloway and is a member of the Offensive Cyber Working Group’s steering committee. He previously worked in commercial open-source intelligence, including as the deputy editor of Jane’s Intelligence Review. His undergraduate degree was in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Balliol College, Oxford. 

Dr Craig Jarvis

Course Director

Craig is an independent academic specialising in national security and technology. He lectures at Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and Royal Holloway. His next book, ‘Cyber Terrorism: Extremism & Hacking’ will be published in 2026. Previous works include 'CryptoWars: The Fight for Privacy in the Digital Age' and contributions to 'Next Generation Enterprise Security'. His research also appears in peer-reviewed journals, including 'Intelligence and National Security'.
Craig holds a PhD in cybersecurity and history and has earned master’s degrees in international security, information security, and classical music, studying at Oxford, King’s College London, and Royal Holloway.
With extensive industry experience, his last permanent role was Chief Technology Officer at DXC Security, then the world’s largest security services provider. At DXC, he founded DXC Security Labs, spearheading advancements in cybersecurity research and development.

Craig remains deeply engaged with the private sector, particularly in finance, where he advises major banks and private equity firms on security strategy, architecture, and cyber due diligence. As a member of the Offensive Cyber Working Group's College of Experts, he contributes to research and policy development in offensive cybersecurity. He is also the founding chair of the Geopolitics-Cyber Community of London Experts (GeoCyclone), an organisation bringing together business leaders, academics, and policy makers to share knowledge on national security and digital technologies.
He is currently studying Mandarin (HSK4).

Craig is active on LinkedIn, often posting details of upcoming courses and ongoing research.

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation for Saturday night can be booked directly online, subject to availability, when you register your place. This includes a buffet breakfast on the Sunday morning.

Our accommodation in Wellington Square has been rated as 4-Star Campus Accommodation under Visit England. All bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished with tea/coffee making facilities, Freeview television, private bath/shower rooms and free WiFi. For more details see our accommodation information.

If you wish to extend your stay with us, either before and/or after the event, please contact our Residential Centre for availability and discounted rates.

Call +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk