From Early Warning to Escalation: AI, Cyber Threats, and Resilience
October 14, 2026 / 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. / online event
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the cybersecurity landscape, with significant implications for international peace and security. AI is increasing both the speed and complexity of cyberattacks while also enhancing defensive capabilities. Agentic AI is becoming increasingly capable of automating key components of complex cyber operations. As state actors use these tools to advance their strategic objectives, cyber operations can undermine state capacity and create new security risks that governments must address.
How can Germany and its partners detect AI-driven cyber threats at an early stage and reduce the risk of wider political or security escalation? How can they strengthen critical digital infrastructure and cyber defence capabilities while ensuring that these systems remain secure and under human control? The session explores how Germany can build digital resilience and strengthen state capacity while maintaining democratic accountability.
The event is organized as part of the Bonn Symposium 2026 in collaboration with the Development and Peace Foundation (sef:). It will be conducted entirely in English.
Procedure
A discussion with:
Dr. Sven Herpig
CASSIS-Fellow and head of the program „Cybersecurity & Emerging Threats" at the think tank Interface
Dr. Arthur Schmidt
Head of the division „Principles, Strategies, and Evidence in Artificial Intelligence" at the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI)
Chair:
Dr. Simona Autolitano
International Relations Officer at the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI)
More information
The event is part of this year’s Bonn Symposium, organized by the Development and Peace Foundation (sef:). Under the title “May the Rules Be With You –AI, Big Tech and the Future of Peace and Cooperation,” the symposium explores the social, geopolitical, and security implications of artificial intelligence and large technology companies. The symposium will take place as a three-part online series, culminating in a public evening event in Bonn. Further information can be found here.
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Please note that photos and videos will be taken at this event. By participating, you agree that the Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies (CASSIS) may use any images taken before, during, or after the event for public relations purposes.