Data security is vital to the critical operations of NATO, keeping military operations safe and advancing logistical efficiency. The alliance’s collective security is challenged by the lack of common tech standards to safeguard sensitive data. A new report by Clara Riedenstein, William Echikson, and Lance Landrum provides a blueprint for the 32 NATO allies to sharpen their competitive edge in the digital space by moving and sharing operations onto the cloud. This roadmap paves the way for faster and more secure information sharing within the alliance. As European capitals step up their defense capabilities, NATO must move toward wartime digital resilience.

Full Report: https://cepa.org/comprehensive-reports/defend-in-the-cloud-boost-nato-data-resilience/

Key takeaways:

• Data as Warfare Currency: Data is increasingly recognized as the “currency of warfare,” essential for logistics and weaponry innovation.
• NATO’s Digital Transition: NATO faces urgent needs to enhance its digital infrastructure and interoperability among its 32 member states amid rising geopolitical tensions.
• Data Embassies Concept: NATO should advocate for “data embassies” to secure government data outside national borders, inspired by Estonia’s model.
• Private Sector Engagement: Collaboration with tech companies is vital; NATO should incorporate “secure by design” standards in digital technology procurement.
• Addressing the Say/Do Gap: NATO must bridge the gap between stated digital initiatives and actual implementation to enhance cloud interoperability and data sharing.
• Compliance and Accountability: There’s a need for stricter adherence to common standards among allies to ensure effective data sharing and security.
• Challenges in Data Sharing: Divergences in national data policies complicate interoperability, hindering effective military collaboration among allies.
• Need for Agile Procurement: NATO should adopt agile procurement models to keep pace with fast-evolving technologies and ensure timely upgrades and support.
• Recommendations for Reform: The report outlines a blueprint for NATO to become a digital thought leader, promoting standards and agile procurement for cloud services.
• Urgency for Action: With ongoing threats, NATO must prioritize digital resilience and interoperability in its upcoming strategic initiatives and summits.