cyber-war
A new form of warfare conducted in cyberspace using information technology and the Internet as weapons, characterized by rapid, covert attacks often targeting civilian infrastructure.
2 chapters across 1 book
Cyber War: The Next Threat to National Security and What to Do About It (2012)Richard A. Clarke and Robert K. Knake
The introduction reflects on the legacy of strategic military analysis exemplified by Professor William W. Kaufmann and draws parallels between the nuclear era and the emerging domain of cyber war. It highlights the rapid development and deployment of cyber weapons and commands without adequate public debate or strategic oversight, emphasizing the unique challenges and risks posed by cyber warfare, including its impact on civilian infrastructure and the limitations of traditional deterrence. The authors commit to fostering open discussion and analysis of cyber war strategy, aiming to raise awareness and propose solutions to mitigate the new security threats posed by cyberspace.
This chapter recounts the 2007 Israeli airstrike on a suspected North Korean-built nuclear facility in Syria, highlighting the covert nature of the attack and the subsequent political silence. It reveals how Israel used cyber warfare to blind Syrian air defenses, effectively controlling their radar systems to avoid detection and ensure the success of the strike. The chapter emphasizes the emerging role of cyber capabilities in modern warfare, illustrating a shift from traditional kinetic attacks to sophisticated digital operations.