From RAF operations to cutting-edge cyber research — Paul Withers brought Hacking the Mind to Lancaster University, delivering an electrifying deep dive into cyber effects and modern conflict. Insight, impact, and inspiration in just one hour!

On Wednesday, 24th July, Lancaster University’s Management School Lecture Theatre 3 was delighted to welcome Paul Withers, a distinguished Royal Air Force Officer and Cyber Operations Specialist, to campus. His lecture, “Hacking the Mind: Cyber Effects and Information Confrontation”, drew a highly engaged audience and created a real buzz across the university community.

We were excited to host Paul, whose wealth of experience and cutting-edge research made him uniquely placed to tackle one of the most pressing and complex topics of our time. The session offered a rare opportunity for students, academics, and professionals to hear first-hand from a leader at the forefront of cyber operations and strategic security.

Paul’s talk explored how the debate around ‘cyber war’ has matured over the past two decades, moving from early sensationalism to a more evidence-based understanding. He placed cyber operations firmly within the context of information confrontation, showing how carefully designed cyber ‘effects’ can shape outcomes at both operational and strategic levels.

Guided by the central question—How can cyber operations for cognitive effect contribute to information confrontation?—Paul introduced his analytical framework, examining effects from four key perspectives: effects dimensions, intentions, integration, and temporality. He applied this model to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, challenging simplistic narratives and providing nuanced insights into where cyber capabilities have made a tangible difference.

The lecture was a resounding success, sparking thoughtful discussion and inspiring attendees to think critically about the future of cyber power and cognitive influence in modern conflict. Upon its collusion, attendees engaged enthusiastically, asking thoughtful questions that allowed Paul to expand on the ethical, strategic, and operational dimensions of his work.

One audience member summed it up perfectly:

“It was one of the most insightful lectures I’ve attended — Paul’s mix of real-world experience and academic depth made the topic come alive.” – Attendee, Lancaster University

About the Speaker:

Paul Withers has served in the Royal Air Force for over 30 years, specialising in cyber operations and intelligence. His career highlights include leading roles at the RAF’s Air and Space Warfare Centre, NATO’s Combined Air Operations Centre in Germany, and commanding the Defence Cyber Academy. He is currently pursuing a PhD in War Studies at King’s College London, focusing on cyber effects and information confrontation.

We are deeply grateful to Paul Withers for sharing his expertise and for delivering such a thought-provoking and inspiring session. His ability to bridge rigorous academic research with decades of operational experience gave our audience a unique perspective on one of the most dynamic areas of modern conflict.

It was a privilege to host him on campus, and we look forward to welcoming him back to Lancaster University for future events that continue to challenge, inform, and inspire our community.

Related Blogs

• 

  CyberFirst at Lancaster University: Inspiring the Next Generation of Cyber Talent

• 

  CyberFirst Advanced Summer School 2025: A Week of Cyber Discovery at Lancaster University

• 

  Connecting Regions and Inspiring Futures: A Day in Cheltenham with the CyberFirst Community

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by our bloggers and those providing comments are personal, and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lancaster University. Responsibility for the accuracy of any of the information contained within blog posts belongs to the blogger.