Cyber-warfare
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Cyber-warfare (also known as cybernetic war[1], or cyberwar) is the use of computers and the Internet in conducting warfare in cyberspace.[2]
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[edit] Types of attacks
There are several methods of attack in cyber-warfare, this list is ranked in order of mildest to most severe.
- Web vandalism: Attacks that deface webpages, or denial-of-service attacks. This is normally swiftly combated and of little harm.
- Propaganda: Political messages can be spread through or to anyone with access to the internet.
- Gathering data. Classified information that is not handled securely can be intercepted and even modified, making espionage possible from the other side of the world. See Titan Rain and Moonlight Maze.
- Distributed Denial-of-Service Attacks: Large numbers of computers in one country launch a DoS attack against systems in another country.
- Equipment disruption: Military activities that use computers and satellites for co-ordination are at risk from this type of attack. Orders and communications can be intercepted or replaced, putting soldiers at risk.
- Attacking critical infrastructure: Power, water, fuel, communications, commercial and transportation are all vulnerable to a cyber attack.
[edit] Known attacks
- The United States has come under attack from countries such as China and Russia. See Titan Rain and Moonlight Maze.[3]
- On May 17, 2007, it was reported that Estonia came under cyber attack from Russia. The Estonian parliament, ministries, banks, and media were targeted.[4]
- On first week of September 2007, the Pentagon and various French, German and British government computers were attacked by hackers of Chinese origin. The Chinese government denies any involvement.
[edit] Cyber counterintelligence
Cyber counterintelligence are measures to identify, penetrate, or neutralize foreign operations that use cyber means as the primary tradecraft methodology, as well as foreign intelligence service collection efforts that use traditional methods to gauge cyber capabilities and intentions.[5]
[edit] See also
- Black hat
- Computer insecurity
- Electromagnetic pulse weapons, known as transient electromagnetic devices
- Electronic warfare
- ELINT
- Espionage
- High Energy Radio Frequency weapons (HERF)
- Information warfare
- SIGINT
- Unrestricted Warfare
[edit] References
- ^ Jonathan V. Post, "Cybernetic War," Omni, May 1979, pp.44-104, reprinted The Omni Book of Computers & Robots, Zebra Books, ISBN 0-8217-1276
- ^ DOD - Cyberspace
- ^ Jim Wolf, "U.S. Air Force prepares to fight in cyberspace", Reuters, November 3, 2006
- ^ Ian Traynor, 'Russia accused of unleashing cyberwar to disable Estonia", The Guardian, May 17, 2007
- ^ DOD - Cyber Counterintelligence
[edit] External links
Wikibooks has a book on the topic of
- Sources: Staged cyber attack reveals vulnerability in power grid
- Cyberwarfare reference materials
- Cyber-warfare 'a reality in 12 months'
- Iraq's Crash Course in Cyberwar
- Special focus on cyber-warfare
- US - Sino War in 2001 sparked by media hype over downed US spy plane
- Manipulating The Mass Consciousness: Russian And Chechen "Information War" Tactics In The 2nd Chechen-Russian Conflict by Mr. Timothy L. Thomas, Foreign Military Studies Office, Fort Leavenworth, KS
