Microsoft Word - 275-277_R.Kelshall BN_2022 ConferencePUB.docx KEY EVENTS On November 25, 2022, Rear Admiral Richard Kelshall (Rtd), presented his closing remarks for this year’s West Coast Security Conference. The key points discussed were the current weaponization of mis/disinformation and suggestions to combat against it, eliminating information silos, and turning towards Caribbean nations regarding intelligence sharing. NATURE OF DISCUSSION Presentation Modern day security threats have been exacerbated by mis/disinformation. Rear Admiral Kelshall stated that innovations in technology, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and improved interconnectedness, can aid in assessing threats and creating solutions. Additionally, Rear Admiral Kelshall stressed the importance of breaking down information silos in order to combat security threats, and pointed towards the success of a radar system he developed. Rear Admiral Kelshall suggested that Canada could follow this model domestically through regional joint-agency operations centres, and internationally through intelligence sharing with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). BACKGROUND Presentation Rear Admiral Kelshall stated that the weaponization of mis/disinformation has threatened democracy, social cohesion, and institutional trust in an CLOSING REMARKS: CYBER RESILIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES PANEL — 2022 WEST COAST SECURITY CONFERENCE Date: November 25, 2022 Disclaimer: This briefing note contains the encapsulation of views presented by the speaker and does not exclusively represent the views of the Canadian Association for Security and Intelligence Studies. Richard Kelshall The Journal of Intelligence, Conflict, and Warfare Volume 5, Issue 3 276 unprecedented manner. Building systemic resilience must be done collaboratively, as the issues concerning national security, extremism, policing, military, and other threats cannot be effectively managed by a single jurisdiction. Technology has created a sense of interconnectedness which has never been seen before, and needs to be taken advantage of to combat security threats. Additionally, innovations in technology, such as AI, have the potential to support decision makers through analysing large amounts of data. Rear Admiral Kelshall expressed that the current model of jurisdictional law enforcement creates “information silos”, where agencies neglect to share intelligence with other agencies. Intelligence sharing between agencies assists in creating a clearer picture of potential security threats, and further supports decision makers to create an effective plan of action. Rear Admiral Kelshall stated that, while developing a radar system in Trinidad and Tobago in partnership with the United States Customs and Border Protection agency, he implemented a two-pronged approach: Capture, which comprised of several different agencies sharing their intelligence and providing a security picture, and Action Operations, which composed of different agencies concerning decision making. Rear Admiral Kelshall stressed that the success of this approach was due to the communication of the different agencies in close quarters, allowing for quick information sharing which enabled decision makers to collaboratively create effective solutions. Rear Admiral Kelshall suggested that Canada could potentially follow a similar model of information sharing, where provinces and territories would have a regional joint-agency centre assessing security threats, while reporting to a central multi-agency command centre in Ottawa. Following the model that Rear Admiral Kelshall implemented in developing radar systems, placing the different agencies together and promoting dialogue between them will break down information silos and create better assessments of security threats. Rear Admiral Kelshall further encouraged moving towards an international joint- operation organisation, such as including Canada and the United States of America within CARICOM, with respect to intelligence sharing. CARICOM has a wealth of information on several different security threats faced today, such as drug trafficking and Islamic extremism. Though CARICOM lacks the necessary funds and training to reach its full potential, a joint partnership with Canada and the United States will provide funding and analysis training, while simultaneously CARICOM exchanges their extensive knowledge in certain areas. Richard Kelshall The Journal of Intelligence, Conflict, and Warfare Volume 5, Issue 3 277 KEY POINTS OF DISCUSSION Presentation ● Mis/disinformation has created security threats in an unprecedented manner. Advancements in technology and breaking down information silos can be utilised to combat security threats. ● Joint-agency operations can break down information silos, helping create a clearer understanding of the security threat, and aiding decision makers to create an effective solution. ● Canada could follow a model where each province has a joint-agency operations centre, all reporting to a national centre. ● Canada and the United States could join and support CARICOM in intelligence sharing; accessing CARICOM nations’ intelligence, while providing financial support and training for intelligence analysts. ● International community should look towards the Caribbean nations with respect to combatting current security threats. Caribbean nations have expertise in areas relevant in modern day security threats such as drug trafficking and Islamic extremism. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non- Commercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. © (RICHARD KELSHALL, 2023) Published by the Journal of Intelligence, Conflict, and Warfare and Simon Fraser University Available from: https://jicw.org/