Opening Plenary

CSAM as a Cyberthreat - The Insider Threat to Academic Networks

CSAM is not only a safeguarding and criminal justice issue but also a significant insider cybersecurity threat, part of a convergence of harm as part of the online abuse eco-system. Universities are attractive environments for offenders due to their high-speed networks, extensive storage, and trusted user access, including ex-students.

This presentation examines the legal, operational, reputational, and security risks posed by the use of academic infrastructure for CSAM-related activity. It also explores the important distinction between legitimate research into online child exploitation and unlawful access to illegal material.

The presentation argues that effective governance, safeguarding, and insider-threat management are essential to protecting institutional networks, communities, and children from harm.