Navigating the New Battlefield: The Industry’s Role in Countering Hybrid Warfare - Rob Diver, Head of Risk and Resilience, Integrity HSE

In a modern world where conflicts are fought not with ammunition, but with ideas, the human mind has become the ultimate playing field. From cyber-attacks to disinformation campaigns, a new generation undertaking a silent battle to influence what we think, how we feel, and even what we believe. The question is: are you aware and ready to defend yourself?

The evolving threat to the industrial landscape, from subsea cables, pipelines, onshore facilities, warehousing, offshore facilities and supply chain risk means you need to be ready!

Join SPE Aberdeen for "The War for Your Mind: Understanding Cognitive Warfare". Learn the secrets, sharpen your defences, and take control.

Your mission starts here.

Register to attend now.

Rob Diver - Head of Risk and Resilience at Integrity HSE

Rob Diver is a seasoned risk management professional with extensive experience in complex operations across diverse sectors, including the British Armed Forces, UK Civilian Police, NATO and the Energy and Protective Services public sector.

His expertise encompasses safety, compliance, and risk management, with a proven track record of operating in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Rob excels in crisis decision-making, emergency management, and developing
resilience in leadership teams.

After leaving the Civilian Police in 2016, he founded an international risk management consultancy in Aberdeen, focusing on supporting complex
global energy operations in Africa and the Middle East. In 2024, Rob joined Integrity HSE as their Head of Risk and Resilience, supporting a global, cross-sector client base in an evolving and challenging security and risk landscape.

In addition to his corporate role, Rob serves as a Strategic Advisor and Subject Matter Expert on the Strategic Coordination Team of international security experts for NATO at the Joint Warfare Centres in Norway and Turkey. Rob's diverse background and expertise make him a valuable
asset in navigating complex international risk environments and strengthening organizational resilience.

Abstract:

Overview

The face of warfare is evolving dramatically in our modern world. This presentation explores a new battlefield: the human mind. We'll examine how countries are using advanced technology and our growing dependence on it to influence how we think and feel.

The New Warfare Landscape

We'll dive into concepts like hybrid warfare, where traditional military tactics blend with non-military methods such as cyber-attacks, economic pressure, and information manipulation. These strategies are designed to cause disruption without triggering a conventional military response.

• Cognitive Warfare: The Battle for Your Thoughts
• We'll explore how foreign powers are targeting the general public's perceptions, emotions, and decision-making processes. This form of warfare aims to shape public opinion and undermine trust in government institutions.

Disinformation vs. Misinformation

• We'll clarify the difference between deliberately deceptive content (disinformation) and accidentally spread false information (misinformation). Both play crucial roles in shaping public opinion and eroding trust in central government.

Real-World Impacts

• Using recent events, we'll demonstrate how cognitive biases have led to poor judgment and decision-making. We'll show how these subtle influences can quickly erode public trust and potentially destabilize nations.

Protecting Ourselves

• Finally, we'll discuss the importance of critical thinking in evaluating information sources. Whether it's mainstream media, social media, the internet, or our personal networks, we must learn to recognize sensationalized narratives and remain sceptical of the information we encounter.

• This presentation aims to highlight how these interconnected elements have become powerful tools for state actors to challenge democratic systems, emphasizing the need for individual vigilance in our information-saturated world.

With the evolving threat to the industrial landscape, from subsea cables, pipelines, onshore facilities, warehousing, offshore facilities and supply chain risk – are you ready?