Cyberwarfare in the Korean Peninsula: Asymmetries and Strategic Responses

Abstract

In this paper, we argue that the two Koreas' intentions and actions on the cyber front point toward the possibility that they have engaged in cyber warfare against each other. From South Korea's standpoint, a key concern has been North Korea's advanced cyber warfare capabilities and alleged involvement of its substantial workforce in the Internet's dark side activities. These issues need to be looked at the backdrop of the North's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. This paper draws principally upon theories and concepts from military strategy and warfare to examine the contexts, mechanisms, and processes associated with the cyber warfare in the Korean peninsula. We also compare the two Koreas in terms of various forms of asymmetries in cyber warfare and cyber attacks. Also highlighted in the paper are South Korea's recent initiatives and actions to enhance cyber-offense and cyber-defense capabilities.

Finding Effective Responses Against Cyber Attacks for Divided Nations

“…North Korea uses cyberwarfare training simulation software and gathers intelligence widely by using phishing and spyware to target highranking officials. Also, the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) has estimated that North Korea has developed offensive cyber capabilities to take over power-supply systems in South Korea (Kshetri, 2014).…”

“…Although some military networks and other essential networks are connected to the Internet, they also operate air-gapped intranets with security measures such as cryptographic modules that correspond to security levels. The MND does maintain the public Information Operation Condition (INFOCON) to respond appropriately (Kshetri, 2014).…”

“…South Korea could expand their defensive capabilities because they have many more cyber resources than North Korea (Kshetri, 2014). South Korean anti-virus software manufacturers such as AhnLab and HAURI should have enough capabilities to detect and halt cyber attacks given adequate resources.…”

“…South Korea could develop offensive capabilities more than North Korea because of their much greater cyber resources (Kshetri, 2014 …”

“…South Korea's vast cyber resources and dependency on digital culture could also be a disadvantage (Kshetri, 2014) since so many potential targets exist in its extensive cyberspace (Lim et al, 2013). In addition, it is hard for the South Korean government to control cyberspace because much of the space is in the private sector, in contrast with North Korea.…”