-cyber-warfare

Chapter 1: Against Critical Communications

Definition of Cyber War

• Understanding risk requires a concrete definition of cyber war.

• Continuous debate exists regarding the exact definition of cyber warfare.

• Cyber warfare is characterized by military struggle between two nations or groups, ensuring the inclusion of civilian and military attacks that lead to loss of life.

Characteristics of Cyber Warfare

• Warfare Elements:

  • Involves a military struggle between nations/groups.

  • Targets critical communications channels and civilian populations.

• Cyber Aspect:

  • Refers to communications conducted electronically (e.g., via the Internet).

Summary of Cyber War Definition

• Proposed Definition: Cyberwar involves military struggles using electronic communication, resulting in communication disruption and potential loss of life.

Hacktivism

• Definition: A fusion of hacking and activism, focusing on political causes.

• Forms of Hacktivism:

  • Electronic Civil Disobedience (ECD) involves denial of service (DoS) attacks aimed at political targets.

• Claims of Hacktivists:

  • ECD is seen as a legitimate nonviolent direct action to pressurize unethical institutions.

  • The objective is to disrupt the operation of targeted sites without causing severe damage.

Cybercrime

• Varied forms including:

  • Theft of intellectual property.

  • Extortion threats related to DDoS attacks.

  • Identity theft and fraud.

  • Espionage.

• Note: While these are criminal activities, they do not alone represent acts of cyber war.

Chapter 2: Aspect Of Cyber

Cyber Activities Classification

• Various actions outlined as criminal behavior typically do not qualify as cyber warfare.

• Despite being criminal, these actions usually lack potential for loss of life or significant military operational impact.