Choose from the cyber strategies discussed in the last third of the course Cyber Territorism which various states and non-state actors are pursuing as they seek to apply cyber power in their international affairs.
QUESTION
Choose from the cyber strategies discussed in the last third of the course Cyber Territorism which various states and non-state actors are pursuing as they seek to apply cyber power in their international affairs.
For your selected strategy option, using the Course’s materials and your own searches, and compose an essay that outlines the key features of the strategy and highlights how states and/or non-state actors are applying cyber power to achieve their goals in international affairs.
Your essay should be 2,000-2,200 words in length. Chicago style is to be used for referencing. Please use correct grammar and spelling. References count towards the word limit. Consider including relevant charts, diagrams, graphics that add value to your text. Your work should use double-line spacing and a sans serif font, 12 points.
ANSWER
Cyber Strategy: Offensive Cyber Operations in International Affairs
Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of international affairs, states and non-state actors are increasingly recognizing the significance of cyber power as a tool for achieving their strategic goals. This essay focuses on offensive cyber operations as a prominent cyber strategy pursued by various actors in their international affairs. By examining the key features of offensive cyber operations and providing examples of their application by states and non-state actors, this paper aims to shed light on the growing significance of cyber power in shaping the global political landscape.
Key Features of Offensive Cyber Operations
Offensive cyber operations involve the use of cyber capabilities to disrupt, degrade, or destroy an adversary’s information systems and networks. Key features of this strategy include:
Covert Nature: Offensive cyber operations are often conducted covertly, allowing actors to maintain plausible deniability and avoid direct attribution. By operating in the shadows of cyberspace, states and non-state actors can engage in activities that blur the lines between traditional espionage, sabotage, and warfare.
Sophisticated Techniques: Offensive cyber operations leverage advanced techniques such as malware, hacking, and social engineering to infiltrate target systems. These operations exploit vulnerabilities in software, hardware, or human behavior to gain unauthorized access, manipulate data, or disrupt critical infrastructure.
Strategic Objectives: Offensive cyber operations serve various strategic objectives, including intelligence gathering, political influence, economic advantage, and military superiority. By compromising an adversary’s networks, actors can gather sensitive information, manipulate public opinion, disrupt economic activities, or gain a strategic advantage in conflicts.
Application of Offensive Cyber Operations in International Affairs
States and non-state actors are increasingly employing offensive cyber operations to pursue their interests and achieve their goals in international affairs. Examples of how cyber power is being harnessed include:
State-Sponsored Cyber Espionage: Nation-states engage in offensive cyber operations to conduct espionage and gather intelligence on other countries. For instance, state-sponsored hacking groups like APT29 (Cozy Bear) and APT28 (Fancy Bear) have been attributed to Russia, targeting government agencies, defense contractors, and political organizations to gain valuable information.
Election Interference: Non-state actors, including hacktivist groups and state-sponsored actors, have been involved in election interference campaigns, seeking to manipulate public opinion and disrupt democratic processes. Notable examples include the alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and the cyber operations conducted by the Internet Research Agency.
Sabotage and Disruption: Offensive cyber operations are also employed to disrupt critical infrastructure and undermine the functioning of key sectors. Stuxnet, a sophisticated malware discovered in 2010, was attributed to joint efforts by the United States and Israel, targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities to hinder their uranium enrichment capabilities.
Cyber Warfare: Offensive cyber operations are increasingly becoming an integral component of military strategies. States are developing cyber capabilities to disrupt enemy command and control systems, degrade communication networks, and disable critical infrastructure. Notable examples include the cyber operations conducted by the United States against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
Conclusion
Offensive cyber operations have emerged as a potent strategy employed by states and non-state actors in international affairs. The covert nature, sophisticated techniques, and strategic objectives associated with offensive cyber operations provide actors with unprecedented opportunities to achieve their goals and shape the global political landscape. As cyber power continues to evolve, it is imperative for policymakers, international organizations, and the cybersecurity community to understand and address the challenges posed by offensive cyber operations to maintain stability, security, and the rule of law in the digital age.
