Preliminary Programme
Welcome to the Preliminary Program of the 4th International Digital Security Forum (IDSF), to be held from 4. – 6. June 2025 in Vienna, Austria. We are continually working to update and expand our agenda, with the aim of offering you the latest insights into key topics, expert discussions, and groundbreaking innovations in digital security. We warmly invite you to check back regularly for further details, including confirmed speakers and additional program highlights in the coming days.
Wednesday, 4.6. Session Track: Policy Making
SESSION 1
“Beyond Digital – Tech Diplomacy in a Quantum World”
Quantum technologies, while still evolving, are poised to disrupt existing security paradigms. The session will unpack the impact of quantum technologies on broader security dynamics, its ramifications for secure communication and critical infrastructure as well as for the broader peace and security agenda. It will also explore the changes that might be brought about in the military and defence field exploring how these will shift the dynamics of warfare, defence and impact strategic stability considerations. It will also look into the possible impact on economic security and technology souvereignity agenda.
By bringing together experts from diplomacy, policy, industry, and academia, this session will highlight how quantum and other emerging technologies intersect with digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, and global security architectures. It will also address the role of diplomatic engagement in shaping international norms, export controls, and cooperation mechanisms that prevent fragmentation and ensure a balanced and secure technological future.
The session will discuss how techdiplomacy can serve as a bridge to reduce vulnerabilities, and create governance frameworks that align with democratic values and strategic interests.
SESSION 2
"Bridging Continents: Human-Centric Data Governance and Data Sovereignty for Peace and Security"
As digital technologies shape the future of peacebuilding and security, we must ask: are the data and tools we rely on truly fit for purpose? This panel will explore the challenges of Western-centric data systems, the importance of data sovereignty, and the role of human rights in ensuring ethical, human-centric data governance. By addressing these issues, we’ll examine how to empower local communities, build trust through transparency, and create digital solutions that would be more fit for purpose, because if PeaceTech and the data sources that support it are not accessible, they are pointless. Join us for an engaging on bridging continents and making data work for peace and security.
SESSION 3
“The Next Generation of Trusted Data Sharing (Gaia-X)”
Sovereign digital ecosystems (data spaces) are the basis for a competitive economy and self-determined (sovereign) digital economy. Based on the actual market developments there is a risk of loss of value creation, prosperity and sovereignty for individual member states and firms. Sovereign digital ecosystems according to standards are the basis for being able to assert oneself in the competition of global value chains and data is the fuel of digital ecosystems and is the basis for every AI strategy. This session will explore how current data space initiatives such as Gaia-X are driving this transformation, enabling trusted, secure data sharing.
SESSION 4
“Emerging Risks at the Nexus of AI, Quantum and Neuro/Biotech”
The convergence of neurotechnologies with artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and biotechnology is reshaping security landscapes, introducing new opportunities and unprecedented risks. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), neuro-enhancement, and cognitive monitoring tools can enhance human performance but also expose societies to cognitive warfare, cyber vulnerabilities, and ethical and human rights dilemmas. The integration of AI-driven neural data analysis, quantum-secured brain-computer communications, and biotech-enabled neuro-enhancement raises critical concerns for digital security, privacy, and governance.
Experts from neuroscience, cybersecurity, law and international governance will assess the security implications of this technological convergence and discuss policy for strategies, international cooperation and governance frameworks in order to prevent harm and mitigate risks while leveraging the positive transformative potential for public health.
The Panel will explore the threat landscape as to how malicious actors could exploit neurotechnologies for manipulation and cyber threats and will look int ethical, legal and governance challenges, inter alia risks to privacy, neural data protection, and regulatory gaps.
Thusday, 5.6. Session Track: Cyber Security
SESSION 5
“Digital Security & trans-national infrastructures”
As digital transformation accelerates globally, the resilience and security of transnational infrastructure has become critical to maintaining sovereignty and ensuring economic stability. The increasing reliance on interconnected systems exposes nations and industries to new vulnerabilities, making digital security a fundamental pillar of modern infrastructure – especially given the growing need for massive data exchange across industries and member states. This requires powerful and reliable infrastructures (wired and wireless) and data platforms. However, this shift comes with rising security costs, as protecting these complex networks requires robust investments in technology, governance and cross-border collaboration. This session will explore how nations can balance resilience, sovereignty and the economic implications of securing digital infrastructure in an increasingly interconnected world.
SESSION 6
“Geopolitics of Cyber Security for the Indo-Pacific”
This session will explore how geopolitical tensions and power shifts, as well as the blurring of Member States and powerful private actors, require appropriate cybersecurity strategies for Member States and critical infrastructure operators. It will also look at how resilient digital infrastructure requires effective cross-border cooperation.
SESSION 7
“Digital Transformation and the Security Impact on Nuclear Ecosystems and Non-Proliferation”
Digital transformation and the convergence of advanced technologies within society and industry offer tremendous promise. However, this promise comes with potential challenges, such as technology-driven workplace disruptions, adversarial use and manipulation, and regulatory infrastructures struggling to keep pace with the rapid rate of digital transformation. The nuclear industry, a critical component of the energy sector, increasingly relies on advanced digital technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and automation. These technologies are essential not only for operating the current fleet of reactors but also for developing and launching advanced reactors to meet growing energy demands. Technological advancements are also vital for protecting and safeguarding nuclear materials and sensitive information, addressing concerns about non-proliferation and terrorist access.This session will explore the evolving digital landscape, emphasizing how digital transformation can strengthen nuclear security and safeguards while also addressing the growing adversarial use and manipulation of the digital environment.
SESSION 8
“Securing Critical Infrastructure in the Era of Smart Cities”
As urban environments become increasingly digitised, critical infrastructure in smart cities faces growing cybersecurity and resilience challenges. The integration of IoT, AI and data-driven systems increases efficiency but also introduces new vulnerabilities, making infrastructure protection more complex than ever. This session will explore emerging threats, risk mitigation strategies, and innovative security frameworks to protect essential services such as energy, transportation, and public safety.
SESSION 9
“Building National Resilience through Cyber Security Training & Exercises”
In an era of escalating cyber threats, building national resilience through capacity building, i.e. comprehensive cybersecurity training and exercises, is essential for safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring the stability of the global economy. With the introduction of the NIS2 Directive and other stringent regulatory frameworks in the EU, both public and private sectors are under increasing pressure to enhance their cyber defense capabilities and ensure compliance. This session will examine how targeted training programs and real-world cybersecurity exercises can strengthen the readiness of key industries, improve cross-border collaboration, and support the EU’s broader goals of digital sovereignty and economic resilience in the face of evolving cyber threats.
Friday, 6.6. Session Track: AI & Disinformation
SESSION 10
“Information Integrity, Disinformation and Societal Impact”
In the age of digital communication, maintaining information integrity is crucial for preserving public trust and the stability of democratic societies. The rapid spread of disinformation and fake news not only distorts public perception but also undermines institutions, fuels polarization, and threatens social cohesion. Effective fact-checking mechanisms and robust information verification processes are essential tools in combating these challenges, ensuring that accurate, reliable information reaches the public. This session will delve into the strategies and technologies used to uphold information integrity, the evolving tactics of disinformation campaigns, and their broader societal impacts.
SESSION 11
“The Fight for Democracy – Censorship vs. Free Speech and Fact-Checking”
In an increasingly interconnected world, the tension between censorship and freedom of expression has become a central issue in the global digital landscape. Governments and platforms struggle to balance the need to mitigate misinformation, hate speech and harmful content while protecting the fundamental right to freedom of expression. This tension is further increased by differing legal frameworks, cultural norms and the rise of intended information manipulation. This session will explore how nations and private actors are addressing these challenges, examining the impact of censorship on democratic values, global discourse, and the potential for manipulation in the digital age.
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