News & Publications
Discover news about our activities and the latest publications on cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
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.
Colloquium
Virtual Routes Colloquium – Winter/Spring 2026 session calendar out now
Upcoming sessions will cover topics including Iran’s integration of offensive cyber capabilities into military strategy, the role cyber capabilities played in the January 2026 U.S. intervention in Venezuela, narratives of legitimization in the Israel–Palestine conflict, and cyber statecraft under conditions of systemic competition.
AI-Cybersecurity Research and Policy Hub
AI over Lunch: Pierre Ciparisse
In rainy Brussels, Major General Pierre Ciparisse, Cyber Force Commander at the Belgian Cyber Command, reflects on cyber and AI in modern defence, stressing legal oversight, human judgment, and Europe’s need for secure, independent capabilities as technological change accelerates.
Virtual Routes
Virtual Routes: No longer (just) virtual!
We are excited to announce that in 2026 Virtual Routes will be taking another big step: moving into a new office space in London.
Cybersecurity Seminars
A Year of Hands-On Cybersecurity Training at Johannesburg Business School
Virtual Routes Co-Director Max Smeets attended the certificate ceremony for the first-year cohort of Johannesburg Business School students taking part in the Google.org Cybersecurity Seminar Program, alongside the program’s annual hackathon.
AI-Cybersecurity Research and Policy Hub
AI over Lunch: Roberto Cascella
This AI over Lunch unfolds at a quiet Le Tournant in Brussels’ Matonge, joined by Roberto Cascella, CTO of the European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO).
