Taiwan Digital Blockade: How Wargaming Taught Me About ICS Vulnerabilities and Small Islands
Nina Kollars, Jay Vogt
ShmooCon XX (Final) · Day 2 · Belay It
In a compelling ShmooCon presentation, research professors Nina Kollars and Jay Vogt from the US Naval War College unveiled the insights gleaned from a unique war game designed to explore Taiwan's resilience against a potential digital blockade and invasion. Inspired by the "Zelenskyy Playbook" witnessed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, where private sector and cybersecurity communities played a crucial role in maintaining communications and shaping narratives, Kollars and Vogt questioned whether Taiwan, a small island nation heavily reliant on digital connectivity and complex energy infrastructure, could replicate such a defense. The talk, delivered in their personal capacity and not representing the Department of Defense, highlighted the critical vulnerabilities of modern, digitally-dependent societies facing sophisticated, multi-domain attacks.
AI review
This talk presents a crucial wargaming exercise focused on Taiwan's cyber resilience against a digital blockade, drawing lessons from Ukraine. While not a deep dive into a specific vulnerability, the research methodology—engaging top-tier community experts in a structured wargame—is novel and impactful. The findings offer actionable, pragmatic recommendations for critical infrastructure and societal preparedness, moving beyond theoretical discussions to address a pressing geopolitical threat. It's direct, well-executed, and delivers real value.