Virtual Routes
@virtualroutes.bsky.social
Virtual Routes tackles the impact of digital and emerging technologies on global affairs. Also check out @bindinghook.bsky.social, our media outlet.
🗓️Virtual Routes Colloquium returns for Winter/Spring (Feb–May 2026): Flexing Tech Muscle: Power, Conflict, & Cyber Statecraft in a Contested World, covering Iran, US–Venezuela, Israel–Palestine, & cyber statecraft under competition. Read more & sign up: virtual-routes.org/virtual-rout...
February 12, 2026 at 9:07 AM
🗓️Virtual Routes Colloquium returns for Winter/Spring (Feb–May 2026): Flexing Tech Muscle: Power, Conflict, & Cyber Statecraft in a Contested World, covering Iran, US–Venezuela, Israel–Palestine, & cyber statecraft under competition. Read more & sign up: virtual-routes.org/virtual-rout...
Over lunch with Major General Pierre Ciparisse, Belgium’s Cyber Force Commander, a clear theme emerges: rapid technological change is redefining #military ops from comms & #cybersecurity to the role of #AI in decision-making. What this means in practice? Read more: virtual-routes.org/ai-over-lunc...
AI over Lunch: Pierre Ciparisse - Virtual Routes
In rainy Brussels, Major General Pierre Ciparisse, Cyber Force Commander at the Belgian Cyber Command, reflects on cyber and AI in modern defence, stressing legal oversight, human judgment, and Europe...
virtual-routes.org
February 11, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Over lunch with Major General Pierre Ciparisse, Belgium’s Cyber Force Commander, a clear theme emerges: rapid technological change is redefining #military ops from comms & #cybersecurity to the role of #AI in decision-making. What this means in practice? Read more: virtual-routes.org/ai-over-lunc...
We’re #hiring in London! Virtual Routes is expanding into a new office and seeking a Senior Policy Researcher/Director and Project Officer. Apply via links in the replies. #CybersecurityJobs #JobsInLondon
February 11, 2026 at 9:14 AM
We’re #hiring in London! Virtual Routes is expanding into a new office and seeking a Senior Policy Researcher/Director and Project Officer. Apply via links in the replies. #CybersecurityJobs #JobsInLondon
Excited to announce that Virtual Routes will be taking another big step: moving into a new office space in London. This permanent space will help us to expand our reach, scale up our activities and develop new formats for collaboration and exchange. Read more: virtual-routes.org/office-annou...
Virtual Routes: No longer (just) virtual!
We are excited to announce that in 2026 Virtual Routes will be taking another big step: moving into a new office space in London.
virtual-routes.org
February 10, 2026 at 8:55 AM
Excited to announce that Virtual Routes will be taking another big step: moving into a new office space in London. This permanent space will help us to expand our reach, scale up our activities and develop new formats for collaboration and exchange. Read more: virtual-routes.org/office-annou...
Upcoming talk with Stefan Soesanto: an inside view of Ukraine’s DELTA battlefield platform, how the platform works, what data feeds into it & how it's being used for. 5 March, 4-5PM CET. For AI-Cybersecurity Research & Policy Hub members. Register: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
February 5, 2026 at 7:05 AM
Upcoming talk with Stefan Soesanto: an inside view of Ukraine’s DELTA battlefield platform, how the platform works, what data feeds into it & how it's being used for. 5 March, 4-5PM CET. For AI-Cybersecurity Research & Policy Hub members. Register: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
⏰ 4 more days until applications close for the 2026–2027 European Cybersecurity Fellowship! As a fellow, you’ll take part in expert-led workshops, policy writing and debate sessions, and in-depth discussions on real-world challenges. Apply now: virtual-routes.org/initiatives/...
youtu.be/pNJrBIY8vH8
youtu.be/pNJrBIY8vH8
Virtual Routes European Cybersecurity Fellowship Testimonial from Nikolas Ott (2022–2023 Fellow)
YouTube video by Virtual Routes
youtu.be
February 4, 2026 at 9:05 AM
⏰ 4 more days until applications close for the 2026–2027 European Cybersecurity Fellowship! As a fellow, you’ll take part in expert-led workshops, policy writing and debate sessions, and in-depth discussions on real-world challenges. Apply now: virtual-routes.org/initiatives/...
youtu.be/pNJrBIY8vH8
youtu.be/pNJrBIY8vH8
What if speed isn’t the real challenge in #cybersecurity? Over lunch in Brussels, Roberto Cascella, CTO of @ecso_eu, shared insights about AI, organizational readiness, and why rushing without strategy often means missing what truly matters. Read more: virtual-routes.org/ai-over-lunc...
February 3, 2026 at 8:02 AM
What if speed isn’t the real challenge in #cybersecurity? Over lunch in Brussels, Roberto Cascella, CTO of @ecso_eu, shared insights about AI, organizational readiness, and why rushing without strategy often means missing what truly matters. Read more: virtual-routes.org/ai-over-lunc...
🎉 1-Year of Google.org #Cybersecurity Seminars program at Johannesburg Business School (JBS), South Africa. We visited JBS for the first cohort’s certificate ceremony and hackathon, seeing hands-on training in action & actionable security findings. Read more: virtual-routes.org/cybersecurit...
A Year of Hands-On Cybersecurity Training at Johannesburg Business School
Virtual Routes co-director Max Smeets attended the certificate ceremony for the first-year cohort of Johannesburg Business School students taking part in the Google.org Cybersecurity Seminar Program, ...
virtual-routes.org
February 2, 2026 at 10:25 AM
🎉 1-Year of Google.org #Cybersecurity Seminars program at Johannesburg Business School (JBS), South Africa. We visited JBS for the first cohort’s certificate ceremony and hackathon, seeing hands-on training in action & actionable security findings. Read more: virtual-routes.org/cybersecurit...
How do we build trust in #AI and #cybersecurity across organisations? In this AI Over Lunch, Apolline Rolland talks with Roberto Cascella (CTO at ECSO) on what it takes to make AI work in cyber, from readiness to public–private cooperation. Read more: virtual-routes.org/ai-over-lunc...
AI over Lunch: Roberto Cascella, ECSO
Explore the long-term view on cybersecurity and trust with ECSO's Roberto Cascella. Discover why building robust systems matters more than speed.
virtual-routes.org
January 30, 2026 at 2:04 PM
How do we build trust in #AI and #cybersecurity across organisations? In this AI Over Lunch, Apolline Rolland talks with Roberto Cascella (CTO at ECSO) on what it takes to make AI work in cyber, from readiness to public–private cooperation. Read more: virtual-routes.org/ai-over-lunc...
🔐It’s #DataPrivacyWeek & your data deserves more than a blind click! A tip from our AI over Lunch conversation with Tazin Khan (Cyber Collective): When you see long terms & conditions, don’t just click “Agree”. Use AI to translate the terms & understand how your data is being used.
January 29, 2026 at 3:05 PM
🔐It’s #DataPrivacyWeek & your data deserves more than a blind click! A tip from our AI over Lunch conversation with Tazin Khan (Cyber Collective): When you see long terms & conditions, don’t just click “Agree”. Use AI to translate the terms & understand how your data is being used.
“I really get a bit of a community that grows our careers together.” - @amyertan.bsky.social (2023–2024 Fellow). Applications for the 2026–2027 European Cybersecurity Fellowship are closing soon (8 Feb). Apply now: virtual-routes.org/initiatives/... youtu.be/NHtw8ChFedI
Virtual Routes European Cybersecurity Fellowship Testimonial from Amy Ertan (2023–2024 Fellow), NATO
YouTube video by Virtual Routes
youtu.be
January 28, 2026 at 10:12 AM
“I really get a bit of a community that grows our careers together.” - @amyertan.bsky.social (2023–2024 Fellow). Applications for the 2026–2027 European Cybersecurity Fellowship are closing soon (8 Feb). Apply now: virtual-routes.org/initiatives/... youtu.be/NHtw8ChFedI
#Opencall for #gradstudents: Foundations of #Cybersecurity & #AI, a 12-week, discussion-based online course taught by researchers & practitioners, designed for students who want to understand how digital systems shape power and risk today. Enroll here: virtual-routes.org/foundations-...
January 27, 2026 at 9:16 AM
#Opencall for #gradstudents: Foundations of #Cybersecurity & #AI, a 12-week, discussion-based online course taught by researchers & practitioners, designed for students who want to understand how digital systems shape power and risk today. Enroll here: virtual-routes.org/foundations-...
What’s forgotten online can still be found. Most #nonprofit organisations have old pages or tools still online, and attackers can find them. So, start by listing all the websites, forms, and tools connected to your organisation that are accessible online. #DigitalSafety
January 23, 2026 at 2:06 PM
What’s forgotten online can still be found. Most #nonprofit organisations have old pages or tools still online, and attackers can find them. So, start by listing all the websites, forms, and tools connected to your organisation that are accessible online. #DigitalSafety
Graduate students: step into #cybersecurity with a free 5-day bootcamp in Amsterdam on #ransomware, one of today’s biggest digital threats. Open to all academic backgrounds. Applications are open now: virtual-routes.org/ransomware-d... #StudentOpportunities
January 22, 2026 at 10:07 AM
Graduate students: step into #cybersecurity with a free 5-day bootcamp in Amsterdam on #ransomware, one of today’s biggest digital threats. Open to all academic backgrounds. Applications are open now: virtual-routes.org/ransomware-d... #StudentOpportunities
“I see my cybersecurity career as before & after the fellowship.”- Jiro Minier. The impact wasn’t just from experts, but from a year-long of insightful peer discussions. Apply now for the 2026–2027 European Cybersecurity Fellowship: virtual-routes.org/initiatives/.... youtu.be/pjGTQknJiNQ
Virtual Routes European Cybersecurity Fellowship Testimonial from Jiro Minier (2022–2023 Cohort)
YouTube video by Virtual Routes
youtu.be
January 21, 2026 at 12:15 PM
“I see my cybersecurity career as before & after the fellowship.”- Jiro Minier. The impact wasn’t just from experts, but from a year-long of insightful peer discussions. Apply now for the 2026–2027 European Cybersecurity Fellowship: virtual-routes.org/initiatives/.... youtu.be/pjGTQknJiNQ
What do borders and migration reveal about how AI governs our lives? In this AI over Lunch, Apolline Rolland speaks with Caterina Rodelli (Access Now) in Brussels about AI’s deep ties to surveillance, experimentation at the margins, & what the EU AI Act exposes. 👉 virtual-routes.org/ai-over-lunc...
January 19, 2026 at 9:08 AM
What do borders and migration reveal about how AI governs our lives? In this AI over Lunch, Apolline Rolland speaks with Caterina Rodelli (Access Now) in Brussels about AI’s deep ties to surveillance, experimentation at the margins, & what the EU AI Act exposes. 👉 virtual-routes.org/ai-over-lunc...
“The AI Act made visible surveillance and decision-making systems long used in migration and border control, but visibility did not translate into equal protection.” New AI over Lunch interview with Caterina Rodelli from @accessnow.org out now: virtual-routes.org/ai-over-lunc...
AI over Lunch: Caterina Rodelli
This week’s AI over Lunch takes us to Brussels’ Châtelain neighbourhood, where Apolline Rolland meets Caterina Rodelli, EU policy analyst at Access Now.
virtual-routes.org
January 15, 2026 at 7:47 AM
“The AI Act made visible surveillance and decision-making systems long used in migration and border control, but visibility did not translate into equal protection.” New AI over Lunch interview with Caterina Rodelli from @accessnow.org out now: virtual-routes.org/ai-over-lunc...
🌍 What happens when students take cybersecurity into the community? We saw it during @maxwsmeets.bsky.social Nelson Mandela University visit as part of the Google.org Cybersecurity Seminars program: helping a local food initiative & a care home with practical steps that make a real difference.
January 14, 2026 at 11:12 AM
🌍 What happens when students take cybersecurity into the community? We saw it during @maxwsmeets.bsky.social Nelson Mandela University visit as part of the Google.org Cybersecurity Seminars program: helping a local food initiative & a care home with practical steps that make a real difference.
Can AI help restore peace, not fuel conflict? Join our “AI for Peace” online book talk with Branka Panic on Jan 20, 4–5pm CET. Explore AI, ethics & governance in conflict zones. For AI-Cybersecurity Research and Policy Hub members only. Register here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
January 13, 2026 at 8:46 AM
Can AI help restore peace, not fuel conflict? Join our “AI for Peace” online book talk with Branka Panic on Jan 20, 4–5pm CET. Explore AI, ethics & governance in conflict zones. For AI-Cybersecurity Research and Policy Hub members only. Register here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Reposted by Virtual Routes
72 hours left! 🚨 Last chance to check your submission for The Binding Hook × @munsecconf.bsky.social Essay Prize Competition. Make sure your arguments are sharp, clear & evidence-backed. €10K, global visibility & #MSC2026 invite await. Submit your essay now: bindinghook.com/event/essay-...
January 9, 2026 at 9:06 AM
72 hours left! 🚨 Last chance to check your submission for The Binding Hook × @munsecconf.bsky.social Essay Prize Competition. Make sure your arguments are sharp, clear & evidence-backed. €10K, global visibility & #MSC2026 invite await. Submit your essay now: bindinghook.com/event/essay-...
Welcome to the team Edwina Primananda, our new Communications Officer! 🤝 Read more about Edwina: virtual-routes.org/edwina-prima...
Edwina Primananda joins Virtual Routes as Communications Officer
Edwina is a creative strategist and communications specialist with more than 8 years of experience spanning global advertising, sustainability, and grassroots organisations.
virtual-routes.org
January 6, 2026 at 1:44 PM
Welcome to the team Edwina Primananda, our new Communications Officer! 🤝 Read more about Edwina: virtual-routes.org/edwina-prima...
Reposted by Virtual Routes
Six days left! The Binding Hook × @munsecconf.bsky.social Essay Prize Competition is in its final week. Submit your original essay on #DigitalSovereignty & Europe’s #cybersecurity for monetary prizes, global visibility & #MSC2026 invite. bindinghook.com/event/essay-...
January 6, 2026 at 1:33 PM
Six days left! The Binding Hook × @munsecconf.bsky.social Essay Prize Competition is in its final week. Submit your original essay on #DigitalSovereignty & Europe’s #cybersecurity for monetary prizes, global visibility & #MSC2026 invite. bindinghook.com/event/essay-...
If we had to sum up this year at Virtual Routes in one word, it would be momentum. Thank you 2025! 🌟 Stay tuned for the 2026 chapter of our story. Read the full year in review by @jamesshires.bsky.social: virtual-routes.org/building-mom...
Building momentum: Virtual Routes in 2025
After 5 years of slowly building the organization and attracting a smart, passionate, and friendly community around diverse issues of security and technology, in 2025 the Virtual Routes snowball took ...
virtual-routes.org
December 30, 2025 at 10:56 AM
If we had to sum up this year at Virtual Routes in one word, it would be momentum. Thank you 2025! 🌟 Stay tuned for the 2026 chapter of our story. Read the full year in review by @jamesshires.bsky.social: virtual-routes.org/building-mom...
Reposted by Virtual Routes
Binding Hook’s 2025 focused on European defence, digital sovereignty, surveillance, and ransomware, with regional focuses on with China, Russia, and Israel. #yearinreview #cybersecurity bindinghook.com/another-year...
Another year of Binding Hook!
2025 at Binding Hook was dominated by European defence, digital sovereignty, surveillance, ransomware, and some unsurprising states: China, Russia, and Israel.
bindinghook.com
December 23, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Binding Hook’s 2025 focused on European defence, digital sovereignty, surveillance, and ransomware, with regional focuses on with China, Russia, and Israel. #yearinreview #cybersecurity bindinghook.com/another-year...