Major General Wolfgang Renner,  Deputy Chief of Staff CIS and Cyber Defence at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe addresses conference attendees at NIAS18. - NATO Photo by NCI Agency

MONS, Belgium –NATO's largest cyber security conference, NIAS 18, which focused on the critical role that cyber security plays in securing the Alliance, has concluded following three days of discussions from Oct. 16 to 18, 2018 in Mons, Belgium.

This year, the main theme of the symposium was "Securing NATO's Digital Endeavour". It focused on cross-domain applications of cyber security. NIAS 18 allowed participants to interact with top industry and NATO security leaders, and to discuss best practices, exchange views and explore innovative cyber security solutions.

"From the very beginning, mission assurance has been a key point on cyberspace. What happens in cyberspace absolutely affects how we fight no matter when or where the next crisis happens," said Major General Wolfgang Renner, Deputy Chief of Staff CIS Cyberspace at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). "Cyberspace is the newest and most dynamic domain of operations.  Our operational stance has to be agile, adaptive and collaborative."

NIAS 18 was a key event in terms of security. During the symposium, new approaches to cyber security and the latest technology were disclosed. Hands-on sessions, workshops, keynotes and informal gatherings were organised to tap into a smart, forward-thinking global community to inspire and empower.

NIAS 18 was the 14th edition of this annual NATO symposium. It took place at SHAPE several years ago, but it now needs a special location that can host hundreds of people, as it has become bigger and bigger throughout the years. This year, over 1,800 participants registered for the event.