Conquest in Cyberspace

Abstract

With billions of computers in existence, cyberspace, 'the virtual world created when they are connected,' is said to be the new medium of power. Computer hackers operating from anywhere can enter cyberspace and take control of other people's computers, stealing their information, corrupting their workings, and shutting them down. Modern societies and militaries, both pervaded by computers, are supposedly at risk. As Conquest in Cyberspace explains, however, information systems and information itself are too easily conflated, and persistent mastery over the former is difficult to achieve. The author also investigates how far 'friendly conquest' in cyberspace extends, such as the power to persuade users to adopt new points of view. He discusses the role of public policy in managing cyberspace conquests and shows how the Internet is becoming more ubiquitous and complex, such as in the use of artificial intelligence.

Deception and Maneuver Warfare Utilizing Cloud Resources

“…(Wilson, 2007, p. CRS-4) In agreement with Libicki (2007), the use of MILDEC against an adversary destroys information, to an extent, that an individual's perception of the world is a false one. This can be achieved by launching an overall psychological attack undertaking a PSYOPS and MILDEC operation in tandem.…”

Cyberspace as a "Fifth Domain"?

“…Otázky kybernetické bezpečnosti a ochrany kritické infrastruktury nepovažují za záležitost spadající do vojenských kompetencí. [41] Přesto však k zařazení kyberprostoru mezi válečné domény již fakticky došlo. Přestože je nejen možné, ale hraničící s jistotou, že se doktríny budou dále vyvíjet, je třeba s tímto faktem pracovat.…”

Power in the 21st Century

“…As the virtual realm remains a construct of human-embodied knowledge, its sources of power lie with its creators and users rather than with the programs themselves (Libicki 2007). A multitude of concepts refer to this digital transformation, employing phrases ranging from data-processing system to "information operations" (Everard 2000: 103).…”