MANRS Fellowship: Boosting Routing Security
Discover how the MANRS Fellowship empowers professionals to enhance global internet routing security through hands-on training and collaboration.
The internet’s backbone relies on robust routing protocols, yet vulnerabilities like BGP hijacks threaten its stability. The MANRS Fellowship Program steps in as a vital initiative to cultivate expertise in this domain. Launched by the Mutually Agreed Norms for Routing Security (MANRS), this program equips participants with practical skills to fortify network infrastructures worldwide. By blending mentorship, targeted projects, and financial support, it addresses the growing need for skilled professionals in an era of escalating cyber threats.
Understanding Routing Security Challenges
Routing security ensures data packets traverse the internet correctly. Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), the core routing language, lacks inherent security features, making it susceptible to attacks. Incidents like the 2018 Amazon BGP hijack disrupted services globally, highlighting the urgency for better practices.
MANRS promotes four key actions: filtering routes, global validation, securing the routing plane, and coordination. Despite progress, adoption lags, with only a fraction of networks fully compliant. The fellowship targets this gap by training individuals to implement and advocate these norms.
Program Overview and Evolution
Originally introduced in 2020, the MANRS Fellowship has evolved into the Champions program, featuring Mentors and Ambassadors. Running six months from June to December, it focuses on three tracks: Training, Research, and Policy Analysis. Participants collaborate to deliver tangible outcomes, such as workshops or policy papers.
Mentors, seasoned experts, guide Ambassadors—emerging talents—through regional projects. This structure fosters knowledge transfer and amplifies impact across industries like ISPs, cloud providers, and governments.
Eligibility Criteria for Participants
To qualify, applicants need:
- Proficiency in English for discussions and reports.
- Reliable internet for monthly meetings and videoconferencing.
- Commitment to 4 hours weekly (Mentors) or 2 hours (Ambassadors).
- A personal bank account for stipend payments.
No age or employment restrictions apply, broadening access to students, early-career pros, and veterans seeking specialization. Tracks are chosen during application, aligning with career goals.
Application Process Step-by-Step
Applications open annually in April via the Internet Society Foundation portal. Key steps include:
- Create an individual account.
- Submit details on experience, track preference, and project ideas.
- Undergo review by the MANRS Steering Committee.
- Selections announced in May.
Deadlines are strict: April 4-19 for submissions. Strong applications highlight passion for routing security and potential contributions.
| Timeline | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | April 4 |
| Applications Close | April 19 |
| Review Period | April 20-28 |
| Selections Announced | May 5 |
| Program Start/End | June 1 – December 1 |
Financial Support and Incentives
Mentors earn $9,000 USD, Ambassadors $4,500 USD, disbursed in three installments. Payments tie to KPIs reviewed monthly, ensuring accountability. This support covers time investment, enabling focus on high-impact work without financial strain.
Tracks: Tailored Pathways to Expertise
Training Track
Develop and deliver workshops on MANRS actions. Participants create materials, host sessions, and train operators, directly boosting adoption rates.
Research Track
Investigate routing threats, analyze hijack data, or prototype tools. Outputs include whitepapers shared via MANRS resources, advancing the field.
Policy Analysis Track
Examine regulations, draft recommendations, and engage stakeholders. This track influences standards bodies and governments for systemic change.
Each track culminates in reports due 30 days post-program, submitted via Fluxx system.
Expected Deliverables and Impact
Success metrics include events hosted, resources published, and community engagement. Past cohorts trained hundreds, published research cited industry-wide, and shaped policies. For instance, 2023 participants expanded MANRS in underserved regions.
The program’s ripple effect strengthens the global routing table, reducing outage risks for billions.
Success Stories from Past Fellows
2021 Fellows pioneered training modules now used in NANOG workshops. A 2023 Ambassador from Africa led policy advocacy, resulting in national BGP filtering mandates. These narratives underscore the program’s role in building a resilient internet workforce.
Why Join the MANRS Fellowship?
Beyond stipends, participants gain mentorship from luminaries, network with operators, and contribute to standards. It’s a launchpad for careers in cybersecurity, with alumni advancing to leadership roles.
FAQs
Q: Can I apply if I’m not employed in networking?
A: Yes, no employment requirement exists; passion and commitment suffice.
Q: What if I miss the application window?
A: Check manrs.org for updates; programs recur annually.
Q: Are stipends taxable?
A: Consult local tax laws; MANRS provides gross amounts.
Q: Can teams apply together?
A: Individual applications only; collaboration happens post-selection.
Q: What’s the selection criteria?
A: Experience, project feasibility, diversity, and alignment with MANRS goals.
Getting Involved Beyond Fellowship
Non-fellows can join MANRS as members, attend events, or sponsor. Email manrs@internetsociety.org for opportunities.
This initiative exemplifies collaborative security, proving collective action secures the net.
References
- MANRS Champions: Mentors and Ambassadors — MANRS.org. 2023-06-01. https://manrs.org/champions/
- MANRS Actions Overview — MANRS.org. 2024-01-15. https://manrs.org/about/
- Announcing the 2021 MANRS Fellows — MANRS.org. 2021-04-01. https://manrs.org/2021/04/announcing-the-2021-manrs-fellows/
- Internet Routing Security: BGP Hijacking Report — Internet Society. 2022-05-10. https://www.internetsociety.org/resources/doc/2022/internet-routing-security/
- MANRS Events and Resources — MANRS.org. 2025-03-20. https://manrs.org/resources/events/
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