International cooperation with the World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS) and the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) strengthens digital resilience and makes an important contribution to digital humanism at a global level
As part of the second day of conference of the International Digital Security Forum (IDSF) in the Vienna Museum Quartier, a significant step to further strengthen international cooperation in the field of digital security was taken: the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology each signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) the World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS).
Both agreements aim to counter the challenges of an increasingly digitized and security -critical world through increased international cooperation – with a special focus on education, capacity structure and technological development in the areas of cyber security, artificial intelligence (AI), combination and responsible use of new digital technologies in security -relevant environment.
AIT and WINS: Focus on cyber security for operators of critical infrastructures
The memorandum with WINS forms the basis for closer cooperation to strengthen digital resilience for energy production as well as for energy distribution network infrastructures. The focus is on the joint development of practice-oriented training and awareness programs, which provide operators of critical infrastructures specific skills in dealing with current and future cyber threats. Through targeted training formats and the use of modern technologies – especially in the area of artificial intelligence – risks are to be recognized at an early stage and cross -sector security standards are to be strengthened sustainably.
“Wins appreciates the partnership with the AIT, which has grown steadily since its beginning in 2018. Together we are pursuing the goal of supporting the international WINS community of practitioners: inside, reducing the increasing risks through cyber threats. We look forward to the increased cooperation in this important area so that the reaction to cyber threats is effective and sustainable Lars van DassenManaging Director of Wins.
AIT and VCDNP: Digital technologies for disamament, non-proliferation and nuclear security
The partnership with VCDNP aims to strengthen common initiatives that deal with security and geopolitically relevant questions about the use of modern digital technologies and strategic stability in the digital age in the context of highly critical infrastructures. The focus is on the safety policy implications of quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and technologies to combat disinformation. Common studies, training formats and publicity measures are planned to raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities of digital technologies in security -relevant contexts on both institutional and social levels.
“It is of the greatest importance to establish close connections between technology and policy-experts: when it comes to new digital technologies. We look forward to the possibilities that result from our partnership with the AIT to bundle our technical know-how in the policy area with their technical know-how. Our common goal is to build international capacities and understand the effects of digital technologies to promote nuclear security, non -distribution and disarmament, ”says Elena SokovaManaging Director of VCDNP.
IDSF program stage as a dialogue platform for international actors
In keeping with the signing of the two agreements, Elena K. Sokova (Executive Director, VCDNP) opened the topic this afternoon with a keynote on the role of new technologies in nuclear security. Subsequently, high-ranking representatives discussed: inside of both organizations-Elena K. Sokova and Lars van Dassen (Executive Director, WinS)-as part of the IDSF session “Digital Transformation and the Security Impact on Nuclear Ecosystems and Non-proliferation “The social, regulatory and technical challenges in the area of tension between innovation and nuclear security together with Paul Smith (Professor and School of Computing and Communications, Lancaster University, UK), Ulrik Ahnfeldt-Mollerup (Head of Section at the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, UNOCT) and Rodney Busquim (Head of the Information Management Section, Division of Nuclear Security, Department of Nuclear, Safety and Security, International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA).
In addition, the VCDNP carried out a special workshop on the subject of “Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security of High-Risk Critical Infrastructure”, in which Sarah Case Lackner (Senior Fellow, VCDNP) Expert: Interior from Business, International Organizations and Authorities-including Szilvia Tóth (Cyber Security Officer, OSCE Secretariat, Transnational Threat Department, Austria), Daniele Sangion (CSO Unicredit Bank Austria) and Stefan Brandl (Director of Information Security at Austrian State Printing) – both risks and opportunities of AI in dealing with critical infrastructure were discussed.
With the signing of the two agreements, the AIT underlines its special expertise in the area of responsible development of digital technologies Made in Austria and once again its role as an international hub for research and cooperation in the field of digital security – and as a bridge builder between technology, security policy and global cooperation.
Helmut LeopoldHead of Center for Digital Safety & Security, AIT: “Only through an intensive dialogue between technology developer: Inside, Policy Making, Authorities and Technology Users: In a global context, a sustainable design of technology can be achieved in the sense of a ongoing ‘Technology Shaping process’. the newly established cooperations in the global context are an important contribution to a positive digital transformation of our society.
Andreas kugiScientific Director of the AIT: “Digital security is central to the sustainable success of digitization. Thanks to the now closed strategic cooperation with WINS and VCDNP, we not only strengthen Austria’s role as an international hub for cyber security research, but also contribute significantly to develop global standards and awareness of safe and responsible use of digital technologies. Top research with strategic networking and thus set impulses for a globally responsible digital change. ”
About the AIT & Cyber Security
The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is now the European specialist for the latest latest cyber security solutions. Based on its many years of research expertise, which includes a broad know-how and techology portfolio in the area of cyber security, AIT developed a state-of-the-art simulation and training environment- the AIT Cyber Range- as the basis for the implementation of innovative training and practice concepts for operators of critical infrastructures and authorities, as well as companies from economy and industry.
Since 2022, AIT is the world’s first IAEA Collaborating Center in the field of cyber security for the development of skills to increase nuclear security in the member states of the IAEA Global. Further information: https://cyberrange.at/
More about the AIT at: www.ait.ac.at
About VCDNP
The Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) promotes international peace and security through research, dialogue funding and capacity structure in the areas of nuclear non-spread, disarmament and nuclear backup. Our research and analysis results provide decision-makers: regulatory recommendations that can be implemented inside. We organize public events and promote a constructive, result -oriented dialogue between national governments, multilateral institutions and civil society. The VCDNP is an international NGO that was founded on the initiative of the Austrian government and is a member of the EU non-proliferation and disamament consortium is that a Europe -wide network of think tanks and research institutes is coordinated and supported by the European Union.
About Wins
The WINS is an international NGO that is committed to building a global community of experts for nuclear security. These work together to strengthen the safety of nuclear and other radioactive materials. The association was founded in September 2008 during the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and now has over 9,000 members in 166 countries. WINS’s main goal is to improve the professionalism and competence of all people working in the field of nuclear security in order to prevent nuclear or other radioactive material from being used by state or non -state actors for terrorist or other criminal purposes. Wins promotes the exchange of knowledge and proven procedures through workshops and webinars, dozens of guidelines, ten certified training programs in four languages as well as benchmarking and evaluation services.
About the #IDSF25
The digital transformation presents states and organizations with the challenge of protecting their sovereignty and at the same time promoting global solidarity in combating cyber threats. Digital sovereignty emphasizes control over national data and infrastructures, while digital solidarity builds on international cooperation in order to develop common security standards and to exchange knowledge. From June 4 to 6, 2025, the 4th International Digital Security Forum (IDSF) in the Museumsquartier Vienna focuses on the discussion of this decisive balance from various technological and thematic perspectives. The topics include cyber security in a globalized world, AI-controlled security of critical infrastructures, pecetech initiatives and the role of technology diplomacy in the age of artificial intelligence. Further information: www.idsf.io