In this age, where so much of our existence runs smoothly online, it’s easy to forget that some of the most significant battles are being waged not on land or sea, but in cyberspace. They are not the kind that make the front page. They don’t cause any tangible wounds, but they tax the very fabric of modern societies. And in some instances, they show us something remarkable: our ability to respond, unite, and become stronger.
Estonia provides a breathtaking example of how an entire nation is able to turn adversity into an impetus for resilience. In 2007, the country suffered a tremendous cyberattack that could easily have succeeded in undermining public faith and pushing people towards isolation. Far from giving in to fear, Estonia took a courageous path. As Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur put it so simply, the key to the nation’s success has been “building public-private partnerships.” Estonia quickly understood that cybersecurity isn’t necessarily a technology issue—it’s an issue of trust, collaboration, and making sure every slice of society feels like they have a stake in the digital future.
The Cyber Defence Unit—a group of volunteers who are cybersecurity professionals from outside the military—heads up national defense.
This cooperative spirit is brought to bear as Estonia integrates its civilian and military populations. There must be difficulties—pay disparities, security needs, and agendas—but there is the belief that all can bring something to the table. The military requires access to civilian networks and expertise, and civilians gain from military training and planning. With co-training and open communication, Estonia has had an open flow of information and collaborative problem-solving, with doors not closed in stealth.
Ukraine’s experience in this conflict has underscored just how volatile and dynamic cyber warfare is. Some envisioned great digital destruction; others have been amazed at how lopsided the cyber hit has been. CNA analysts have noted that the ambiguity about the role of cyber warfare stems from larger issues with learning and adapting to this new type of battlefield. But one thing is certain: Ukrainian digital power is backed by sectoral and border connections. It’s not merely a matter of having the right gear—it’s being adaptable, collaborating, and learning along the way.
Keeping it all together is a strong, collective faith. It’s the belief that even the most sophisticated threats can be met—and beaten—when individuals tap into each other and unite. Cybersecurity is not an IT issue alone. It’s a human issue. It requires action from within institutions, industries, and communities. No matter your part as a software developer, policymaker, or whoever has a laptop and a purpose, your role counts.
In the end, it’s this shared resilience—the desire to listen, to change, and to stand shoulder to shoulder—that makes digital weakness a force for bringing people together.