Topics

Topics We Will Discuss

Secondary: Uses of Cyber Warfare

What is it?

Cyberwarfare is the use or targeting in a battlespace or warfare context of computers, online control systems and networks. It involves both offensive and defensive operations pertaining to the threat of cyberattacks, espionage and sabotage. There has been controversy over whether such operations can be called "war". Nevertheless, powers have been developing cyber capabilities and engaged in cyberwarfare, both offensively and defensively, including the United States, China, Russia, Israel and the United Kingdom. Two other notable players are Iran and North Korea.

"Actions by a nation-state to penetrate another nation's computers or networks for the purposes of causing damage or disruption."

Some governments have made it an integral part of their overall military strategy, with some having invested heavily in cyberwarfare capability. One kind of cyberwarfare involves the kind of hacking that is the concern of penetration testing; in such cases, a government entity has established it as a warfighting capability, or a non-governmental entity has used it as a weapon against a state or its concerns.

This capability uses the same set of penetration testing methodologies but applies them, in the case of United States doctrine, in a strategic way to:

• Prevent cyber attacks against critical infrastructure.
• Reduce national vulnerability to cyber attacks.
• Minimize damage and recovery time from cyber attacks.

Types of Threats

Cyber warfare can present a multitude of threats towards a nation. At the most basic level, cyber attacks can be used to support traditional warfare. For example, tampering with the operation of air defences via cyber means in order to facilitate an air attack. Aside from these "hard" threats, cyber warfare can also contribute towards "soft" threats such as espionage and propaganda.

Primary: The Role of Young People in the Digital Era