Cybersecurity has far-reaching warfare consequences, especially when viewed and applied through the lens of social cybersecurity.
The Journal entry by Lt. Col David M. Beskow and Dr. Kathleen M. Carley “Social Cybersecurity: An Emerging National Security Requirement” (2019) defines and addresses the threat of social cybersecurity attacks that modern day adversaries seek to exploit using bots, disinformation and social engineering. I agree with Lt. Beskow and Dr. Carley’s assessment, the rules have indeed changed and in warfare, and social cybersecurity is a potent threat. Unlike traditional cybersecurity that targets technology, social cybersecurity targets users of technology and today doing so is an effective strategy in destabilizing a nation.
Beskow and Carley bring up this crucial difference and the difference between the past view of strategic priorities and the present-day landscape of the information sphere. This is important to address because with the widespread use of the internet and social media, geographic proximity in information warfare and enacting changes is less relevant. This is because the internet and social media makes it very easy for information to spread beyond geographic borders.
As a result, attacking the population of a nation by spreading disinformation/misinformation and causing discord and division continues to be a major part in Russia’s playbook. I agree with Dr. Carley and Lt. Col Beskow, defense of the information domain is a priority in national defense and should be addressed with interagency cooperation, education and continued vigilance.
References:
Beskow, D. M., & Carley, K. M. (n.d.). Social Cybersecurity an emerging national security requirement. Army University Press. https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/Mar-Apr-2019/117-Cybersecurity/b/