There are several levels of Cyber Warfare. Just like: Strategic, operational, and tactical are three levels of warfare that are used to describe the different aspects of planning and conducting military operations.
Levels:
- Strategic level
- Operational Level
- Tactical Level
- Technical Level
1. Strategic Level:
The strategic level of cyber warfare includes the use of cyber operations as a tool of national power and the integration of cyber operations into military planning and operations. It also includes the development of national cyber defense and deterrence policies. It is the highest level of cyber warfare where the decision-makers decide the objectives, goals, and overall direction of the cyber operations.
2. Operational Level:
The operational level of cyber warfare involves the coordination and execution of cyber attacks, as well as the management of the resources used to conduct those attacks. This level of cyber warfare is concerned with the planning, execution, and management of cyber operations to achieve the objectives set by the strategic level.
3. Tactical Level:
The tactical level of cyber warfare includes the use of specific tools and techniques to gain unauthorized access to computer systems, steal sensitive information, or disrupt operations. This level is focused on the implementation of the plans, the use of the resources, and the execution of the cyber operations. It includes tactics like phishing, malware, and denial of service (DoS) attacks, reconnaissance, and exploitation.
Technical Level:
This is not an official Level of Cyber Warfare but it is still there. Technical, This level involves the use of specialized tools, techniques, and knowledge of the underlying technologies to carry out cyber operations.
It is important to note that these three levels of warfare are interdependent and each level of decision-making and action is based on the level above it. A successful cyber operation must be a combination of all three levels, with the strategic level providing the overall direction and objectives, the operational level providing the plan and coordination, and the tactical level providing the execution and implementation of the plan.
Reasons why Levels are there?
There are several reasons why there are different levels of cyber warfare:
- Complexity: Cyber warfare is a complex field that involves a variety of different tools, techniques, and technologies. The different levels of cyber warfare help to break down this complexity and make it easier to understand and manage.
- Different decision-making processes: Different levels of cyber warfare require different types of decision-making processes. The strategic level is focused on overall direction and objectives, the operational level is focused on planning and coordination, and the tactical level is focused on execution and implementation.
- Interdependence: The different levels of cyber warfare are interdependent and each level of decision-making and action is based on the level above it. A successful cyber operation must be a combination of all levels.
- Different areas of expertise: Each level of cyber warfare requires a different set of knowledge, skills, and expertise. The strategic level requires knowledge of national and international policies, the Operational level requires knowledge of cyber operations and management and the Tactical level requires knowledge of specific tools, techniques, and technologies.
- Evolving nature of cyber warfare: Cyber warfare is a constantly evolving field and new tactics and techniques are being developed all the time. The different levels of cyber warfare make it easier to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.