News & Publications
Discover news about our activities and the latest publications on cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
Cybersecurity Seminars
Virtual Routes opens Cybersecurity Hackathon in Lviv, Ukraine
On 21 April 2026, YuYing Mak, Project Officer at Virtual Routes, delivered the opening address at a Cybersecurity Hackathon hosted by Drohobych Ivan Franko State Pedagogical University (DSPU) in Ukraine, one of Virtual Routes' partner universities in the Google.org Cybersecurity Seminars Program.
Fellowship
Announcing 2026–2027 Virtual Routes European Cybersecurity Fellows
We are proud to welcome 14 new fellows to the 2026–2027 Virtual Routes European Cybersecurity Fellowship, bringing together an exceptional group of professionals working at the forefront of cybersecurity, technology policy, diplomacy, and research across Europe.
Virtual Routes
Virtual Routes presents at GeoCyclone in London
On 19 March, Co-Director James Shires held a fireside chat on “Cyber & Autocracy” as part of GeoCyclone series, a monthly London-based community gathering bringing government, industry, and academic representatives, to discuss crucial cybersecurity and digital policy issues.
Virtual Routes
Virtual Routes joins the Future of Work forum in Riga
On Monday 16 March in Riga, Latvia, Virtual Routes was proud to participate in a landmark, Europe-wide forum on the Future of Work in the Age of AI. Both Co-Directors spoke during a day full of exciting ideas, new data, and an emphasis on accessibility and inclusion.
Critical Community Infrastructure
Launching Cybersecurity Webinar Series for Non-Profits and Social Entrepreneurs
We are hosting a series of free cybersecurity webinars for non-profits and social entrepreneurs in multiple languages, as part of our Cybersecurity Services Centre.
Research & Analysis
Pharos Report No. 4 | Assessing the Impact of Ransomware Interventions and Countermeasures: A Framework
The fourth report of the Pharos Series, a joint project of Virtual Routes and Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), is authored by Max Smeets, Jamie MacColl, Sophie Williams-Dunning and Bob Herczeg.
AI-Cybersecurity Research and Policy Hub
AI over Lunch: Aline Duchateau
Over lunch in Brussels, former Federal Police ICT Director, Aline Duchateau, cuts through the AI hype, arguing that in policing, purpose, governance and ethics must come before powerful tools.
Virtual Routes
Virtual Routes joins the UK National Cyber Security Centre’s Industry 100 scheme
Virtual Routes has joined the UK National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) Industry 100 (i100) programme to support the UK’s national cybersecurity mission.
Virtual Routes
The Future of Work in the Age of AI: Why This Conversation Matters Now
Virtual Routes will be part of a European forum: Future of Work in the Age of AI in Riga, Latvia on March 16. Co-Directors James Shires and Max Smeets will speak at the forum, contributing perspectives on cybersecurity.
Virtual Routes
Awarding the Binding Hook–MSC Essay Prize on Digital Sovereignty
At this year’s Munich Security Conference, Virtual Routes contributed to the discussion on digital sovereignty and cybersecurity and presented the Binding Hook–MSC Essay Prize.
