What is Cyberwarfare?
Cyberspace
has become another important dimension of warfare, where nations can carry out
conflicts without the clashes of traditional troops and machines. This allows
countries with minimal military presence to be as strong as other nations in
cyberspace. Cyberwarfare is an Internet-based conflict that involves the
penetration of computer systems and networks of other nations. These attackers
have the resources and expertise to launch massive Internet-based attacks
against other nations to cause damage or disrupt services, such as shutting
down a power grid.
An example of a state-sponsored attack involved the Stuxnet malware that was designed to damage Iran’s nuclear enrichment plant. Stuxnet malware did not hijack targeted computers to steal information. It was designed to damage physical equipment that was controlled by computers. It used modular coding that was programmed to perform a specific task within the malware. It used stolen digital certificates so the attack appeared legitimate to the system. Click Play to view a video about Stuxnet.
click here video to learn more about Stuxnet.
The Purpose of Cyberwarfare
The
main purpose of cyberwarfare is to gain advantage over adversaries, whether
they are nations or competitors.
A nation can continuously
invade other nation’s infrastructure, steal defense secrets, and gather
information about technology to narrow the gaps in its industries and military.
Besides industrial and militaristic espionage, cyberwar can sabotage the infrastructure
of other nations and cost lives in the targeted nations. For example, an attack
can disrupt the power grid of a major city. Traffic would be disrupted. The
exchange of goods and services is halted. Patients cannot get the care needed
in emergency situations. Access to the Internet may also be disrupted. By
affecting the power grid, the attack can affect the everyday life of ordinary
citizens.
Furthermore, compromised
sensitive data can give the attackers the ability to blackmail personnel within
the government. The information may allow an attacker to pretend to be an
authorized user to access sensitive information or equipment.
If the government cannot
defend against the cyberattacks, the citizens may lose confidence in the
government’s ability to protect them. Cyberwarfare can destabilize a nation,
disrupt commerce, and affect the citizens’ faith in their government without
ever physically invading the targeted nation.
