1.5 Cyber Warfare

1.5.1 Sign of the Times (Stuxnet)

Cyberwarfare involves using technology to attack a nation’s computer systems, causing disruption or physical damage. One major example is the Stuxnet malware, a sophisticated cyberweapon used to target Iran’s nuclear enrichment program.

Key Features of Stuxnet:

• Spread primarily via USB drives to target air-gapped systems.
• Used zero-day exploits to escalate privileges and install malware.
• Installed drivers with stolen legitimate certificates.
• Had modular coding, enabling updates while active.
• Targeted Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to manipulate industrial processes.
• Focused on sabotage rather than data theft.

1.5.2 The Purpose of Cyberwarfare

Cyberwarfare is used to gain a strategic advantage over adversaries by disrupting critical infrastructure or stealing sensitive information.

1. Gaining Compromised Information and Defense Secrets

• Nations engage in cyberwarfare to steal classified defense secrets and technological research.
• Stolen sensitive data can be used for espionage or blackmailing government personnel.

2. Disrupting Infrastructure

• Cyber attacks can target essential services like power grids, financial systems, or communication networks.
• A power grid shutdown could lead to traffic congestion, halted commerce, emergency service failures, and loss of internet access.
• Infrastructure attacks can destabilize a nation, causing economic harm and lowering public trust in the government.

Cyberwarfare represents a growing threat in modern conflicts, where attackers can cause significant disruption without physically entering a targeted country.