Volunteers and Cyber Security: Options for Georgia

Master Thesis.

Author: Mikheil Basilaia.

Abstract

The thesis explores possibilities to develop defensive cyber capabilities of Georgia by finding practical ways to overcome the qualified manpower shortage in the cyber security sector. The work focuses on leveraging the volunteer option.

The thesis brings relevant examples of potential solutions from Estonia (Cyber Defense Unit), the UK (Land Information Assurance Group – LIAG; Warning, Advice and Reporting Point – WARP), the USA (cyber units of Reserve Component of US armed forces), China (cyber militias), Russia (patriotic cyber volunteers) and also discusses possibilities which can arise from the Georgian environment. The thesis will not only discuss probable positive solutions, but also argue why some solutions will not work for Georgia.

Potential solutions should be applicable to and implementable in Georgia taking into account its current IT environment, political, economic, social factors and resources that Georgia could realistically allocate for solutions in the coming years. Georgian example can also be useful for other small countries with limited financial and human resources.

The sources of the thesis are research papers, books, (independent) experts from Estonia and Georgia, representatives of governmental agencies of Georgia, as well as supporting material from popular media.

The thesis is written in English, consists of 72 pages, 6 chapters, 3 figures and 4 tables.

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