Cyber Conflict Studies
Cyber conflict refers to the conducting of large-scale, politically driven conflict through cyberspace. State and state-sponsored transnational actors, in conjunction with other forces, leverage the use of offensive cyber-based tools, technologies, and weapons to disrupt computer systems, networks, and infrastructures, driven by potential socio-economic or political benefit.
The cyber domain has not matured as rapidly as the traditional military domains however, this is changing rapidly. In current cyber conflicts, non-state actors take an offensive stance while the private sector remains defensive. There is a distinct need to leverage a broader set of assets, resources to protect economic and national security.
This project examines how the effectiveness of cyber defence will interact with the effectiveness of other coercive means, particularly economic or military. It also studies influence of cyber warfare on regional, national, and security dynamics and will deliver a perspective on the context and issues related to cyber conflict.
- Refining the definition of cyber conflict
- Categorizing formal cyber-based activity between countries such as intelligence collection, covert action, cyber crime, terrorism, and war
- Exploring key features of cyber conflict among a range of potential actors including state and non-state groups, and a complex hybrid of conflict involving both state and non-state actors
- Cyber warfare: Does it constitute a significant form of coercive power?
Vulnerability of nations and their critical infrastructures, key organizations, and resources to cyber warfare - Possible use of cyber warfare for deterrent purposes
Factors that will govern the capacity of a state or organization to deter cyber attack - Characteristics of cyber warfare capabilities constituting the most effective deterrent against different types of adversaries
- What thresholds for response to cyber attack might be established?
- The means by which states and organizations might establish the most effective defences
By definition, cyberspace is transnational, thus, cyber conflict in this area raises problems related to sovereignty in the international arena. Strategically, cyberspace is viewed as a foundational domain that facilitates military superiority as well as a domain where effects (real or perceived) can be delivered to drive policy.
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