A cybersecurity expert stated that the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance is adopting a new strategy centered on networked governance, an approach to security in which state ministries and agencies work together to enhance threat detection, response, and resilience in cybersecurity efforts.
On Wednesday, Seung Hugh Shin, PhD Candidate in International Relations at Seoul National University, revealed at the 11th Cyber National Strategy Forum that the Five Eyes nations are enhancing their cybersecurity strategies through a networked government model. In this approach, ministries and agencies collaborate to manage cybersecurity efforts, rather than relying on a single ministry to handle all aspects of national security. The Five Eyes alliance comprises the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Shin explained that each country has a control tower agency overseeing its cybersecurity operations, managed by different government agencies. In the U.S., the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD), under the Office of the President, leads these efforts. In the U.K., it’s the Cabinet Office; in Canada, the Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE); in Australia, the Department of Home Affairs; and in New Zealand, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC).
However, Shin emphasized that these control tower agencies do not operate in isolation when it comes to cybersecurity. Other government agencies, such as law enforcement, defense ministries, and intelligence services, also play significant roles and hold authority in the process. These agencies collaborate across the government to bolster national security strategies. Shin explained that the control tower acts as an intermediary, facilitating collaboration and ensuring that efforts are synchronized across agencies, rather than exercising a hierarchical or commanding authority.
Shin pointed out that the five countries are aligning their cybersecurity strategies, with more responsibility being assigned to foreign ministries. In the U.S., the Department of State is expanding its role, while in the U.K., the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), operating under the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, is taking on more responsibility. Shin explained that this shift is a response to growing global cybersecurity threats and increasing technological competition.
Shin expressed concern that South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a less prominent role in cybersecurity compared to the National Security Office and the National Intelligence Service.
“South Korea also aims to strengthen international cooperation through its cybersecurity strategy. However, the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not yet appear to be a prominent facilitator,” said Shin. “Moving forward, we need to consider how South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs can enhance its role in cybersecurity to align with the collaborative approaches seen in the Five Eyes countries,” he added.
Related article: Experts debate on South Korea’s engagement with Five Eyes intelligence alliance
Experts in foreign policy and cybersecurity gathered on Wednesday to explore South Korea’s involvement with the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which comprises the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
“We have to realistically examine two things regarding our involvement with the Five Eyes,” said Yoo In-tae, an assistant professor of political science and international relations at Dankook University’s College of Social Sciences. He made these remarks during the third National Strategy Forum organized by the Korean Association of Cybersecurity Studies (KACS). “One is our willingness. Do we have the desire to join the intelligence alliance? If so, do we have the capability to join them? We need both the willingness and the capability to make things happen.”
The Five Eyes alliance has indicated interest in broadening its intelligence network with other nations to bolster its defense against global threats. South Korea has been cited as a potential new member of the intelligence coalition, among other countries. In 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Armed Services requested a report from the Director of National Intelligence specifically discussing the possibility of expanding the Five Eyes network to include South Korea, Japan, India, and Germany. READ MORE
