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Erik Silfversten

Analyst
Cambridge Office

Education

M.Sci. in international relations and global issues, University of Nottingham

Overview

Erik Silfversten is an analyst at RAND Europe focusing on defence and security issues. In particular, his research interests include cybersecurity, cyber defence and the strategic, operational and organisational implications of emerging technologies. He has provided both qualitative and quantitative analyses in support of senior decision makers across national governments such as the UK Ministry of Defence, Netherlands Ministry of Defence, and the US National Intelligence Council, as well as international organisations such as the European Defence Agency and NATO.

Prior to joining RAND, Silfversten held the position of manager for policy and strategic development at IMPACT, the cybersecurity partner of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). He has wide experience in working with governments to develop strategy and policy, as well as soft and technical capabilities, in a range of cybersecurity areas including national cybersecurity strategies, Computer Incident Response Teams (CIRTs), threat intelligence and information sharing, international cooperation, and evaluation of cyber capabilities.

Silfversten graduated summa cum laude with an M.Sci. (Hons) in international relations and global issues from the University of Nottingham and is a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

Research Focus

Recent Projects

  • Economics of Vulnerability Disclosure
  • Reforming NATO's Cyber Acquisition Process
  • Evaluation of the Dutch Defence Cyber Strategy
  • Update study on the EU Cyber Defence Centre for CSDP

Honors & Awards

  • President's Award 2017, RAND Europe

Commentary

  • Opening Ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, February 9, 2018

    Why the 2018 Winter Olympics Are the Perfect Storm for Cyberattacks

    The Olympic Games could invite the most severe cyber threats to a major sporting event in recent years. The location of the games and increased connectivity, both among the public and infrastructure, make them a prime target for cyberattacks.

    Feb 12, 2018 Wired UK

  • Autonomous vehicles on a highway

    Ensuring Cybersecurity Is Vital for a Driverless Future

    High-profile accidents involving autonomous vehicles (AVs) have led to recent discussions about the physical safety of people. However, it could be argued that consumers and manufacturers should be equally, if not more, concerned about the potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities in AVs.

    Feb 12, 2018 Public Technology

  • A child poses with a Lego Boost set, a predicted top seller this Christmas, at the Hamleys toy store in London, Britain, October 12, 2017

    A Smart Toy Could Have Personal Details for Life, Not Just for Christmas

    Parents shouldn't avoid buying smart toys during the holidays, particularly if these devices top children's Christmas lists. But parents should definitely be wary of the security and privacy risks that smart toys can pose.

    Dec 21, 2017 The RAND Blog

  • Criminal hiding behind a mask on computer screen asking the owner for money

    The WannaCry Cyber Attack Could Be the First of Many If the NHS Takes No Action

    In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) was one of the organizations most severely affected by the WannaCry ransomware. The NHS and other public sector organizations need to improve their cybersecurity processes and quickly before a more severe cyber attack takes place.

    Dec 1, 2017 British Medical Journal Group Blogs

Publications