Operations in the cyber warfare domain refer to the use of cyber capabilities to conduct military operations. These operations can include both offensive and defensive actions and can be conducted by both state and non-state actors.
The term “cyber domain” refers to the virtual space where electronic devices and networks operate. “Information operating” in this context would likely refer to the management and manipulation of information within the cyber domain. This could include activities such as data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
There are mainly 2 types of Operations:
- Offensive Information Operations
- Defensive Information Operations
1. Offensive Information Operations
Offensive operations in the cyber warfare domain refer to actions taken by an attacker to disrupt, degrade, or destroy an opponent’s ability to use information and communication systems. These operations can include activities such as cyber espionage, network penetration, disruption and destruction, and propaganda and disinformation.
- Cyber espionage refers to the unauthorized collection of sensitive information from an opponent’s networks and systems. This can include intellectual property, military secrets, and personal information.
- Network penetration refers to gaining unauthorized access to an opponent’s networks and systems. This can be done by exploiting vulnerabilities in software or hardware, using stolen credentials, or using social engineering tactics. Once an attacker has gained access to a network, they can steal data, install malware, or conduct other malicious actions.
- Disruption and destruction refer to disabling or destroying an opponent’s networks and systems. This can be done by launching Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which overload a website or network with traffic, or by deploying malware that can corrupt or delete data.
- Propaganda and disinformation refer to spreading false information to influence public opinion or decision-making. This can be done by creating fake news stories, spreading rumors, or hacking into an opponent’s social media accounts to post false information.
It’s important to note that cyber warfare is a constantly evolving field and new tactics and techniques are constantly being developed. It’s also important to note that the use of cyber weapons and offensive operations in the cyber warfare domain are not without legal and ethical considerations, and are regulated by international law.
2. Defensive Information Operations
Defensive operations in the cyber warfare domain refer to actions taken to protect one’s own networks and systems from cyber-attacks. These operations can include activities such as cyber defense, cyber intelligence, information assurance, and cyber hunting.
- Cyber defense refers to the set of activities and technologies used to protect networks and systems from unauthorized access or attack. This can include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption, and other security measures. The goal of cyber defense is to prevent attackers from gaining access to networks and systems and to detect and respond to any breaches that do occur.
- Cyber intelligence refers to the gathering of information about an opponent’s cyber capabilities and intentions. This can include information about their tactics, techniques, and procedures, as well as information about their infrastructure and personnel. The goal of cyber intelligence is to gain insight into an opponent’s capabilities and intentions and to use that information to inform defensive strategies.
- Information assurance refers to the set of activities and technologies used to ensure the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of one’s own information and systems. This can include measures such as data backups, disaster recovery plans, and incident response procedures. The goal of information assurance is to ensure that critical information and systems remain operational and accessible, even in the event of a cyber attack.
- Cyber hunting refers to the proactive seeking out and neutralizing of cyber threats. This can include activities such as vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and incident response. The goal of cyber hunting is to detect and respond to potential threats before they can be exploited by an attacker.
It’s important to note that defensive operations in the cyber warfare domain are not only technical but also organizational and policy-related. Organizations need to implement a comprehensive approach that includes people, process, and technology to defend themselves from cyber-attacks.