Introduction
Cyberspace is rapidly replacing conventional battlegrounds as the new arena for cyberwarfare. Cyberwarfare-related information operations can be carried out without physical battlefields or frontlines of conflict. Using social media and the internet to spread propaganda and false information about an adversary is one example of these cyber operations (Bennett & Livingston, 2018). Moreover, it can entail injecting computer viruses into a foe’s military control and surveillance software (Bennett & Livingston, 2018). While it may seem that cyber warfare is a recent phenomenon, it has actually been used for millennia, evolving throughout time in terms of both its strategies and the contexts in which it is used (Bastian, 2019). Because cyber warfare impacts citizens as well as governments and usually results in casualties, this subject is crucial. Reviewing how cyber warfare evolved from intercepting adversary data to spreading viruses and propaganda on social media is the purpose of the research.
Literature Review
To begin with, it is important to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the concept of cyber warfare. Cyber warfare can be defined as the use of digital technologies by both state and non-state actors to gain an advantage over their opponents (Qureshi, 2019). As scholars like Qureshi (2019) suggest, cyber warfare can be conducted using a variety of tactics with or without the use of force. Moreover, it is worth noting that the use of cyber warfare can have far-reaching consequences, not only in terms of intangible damage but also physical harm. As Bennett and Livingston (2018) point out, when an opponent’s strategically or economically significant digital networks are attacked using malware or virus infiltration techniques, the damage can be catastrophic. In fact, such attacks can result in physical injury, particularly when rival command and control systems for armed forces are targeted. In light of these risks, it is crucial for governments and organizations to take proactive measures to safeguard their digital networks against cyber attacks.
The security of expensive military hardware and weaponry systems, such as military aircraft central monitoring systems, is of utmost importance. If these systems were to be targeted by cyberattacks, there could be a significant physical danger to military personnel and civilians alike, as well as substantial financial losses (Qureshi, 2019). In fact, the potential for civilian casualties is a very real concern, particularly if missile systems fail or fighter jets crash (Qureshi, 2019). As technology continues to advance, so too does the development of cyber warfare activities. The use of cutting-edge technology tools is a common feature of many detrimental information warfare strategies (Lazer et al., 2018). These activities are often employed to gain a strategic or competitive advantage over an opponent or to inflict intangible harm upon them (Lazer et al., 2018). It is vital that the government stay vigilant and continue to develop new and innovative ways to protect military assets from cyber threats. By doing so, it can help to ensure the safety and security of armed forces and civilians both at home and abroad.
The concept of information warfare has been a topic of discussion among scholars for years. While some believe that it emerged only in the 20th century, there are examples from the 19th and 18th centuries where nations used information-related intelligence gathering, special forces deception, intelligence data support operations, and investigations in their cyber warfare campaigns (Chin, 2019). This indicates that cyber warfare has a long history that goes back to the 1800s and whose core ideas are centuries old. One significant example of information warfare is the French army during the First World War (Bastian, 2019). Acclaimed scholars have suggested that the French army utilized electronic warfare techniques to infiltrate the wireless and telephone correspondence, thus participating in information warfare activities (Bastian, 2019). However, history demonstrates otherwise, as nations had already been using similar techniques even before the 20th century. Therefore, it is clear that the concept of information warfare is not a new one, and its roots go back a long way.
Research Design and Methods
This research will use a qualitative research method in terms of research design. The suggested approach will make it possible to gather information from the sample on the important concern of cyber war and its consequences on the population. A descriptive design will be used in the study to investigate participant views and the phenomena of cyber warfare. So, the rationale why these selected methodologies and designs are appropriate for assessing my research topic is that it enables the collection of subjective data and provides answers to the “why” and “how” questions about transitions and the use of cyber warfare. The qualitative methodology is, therefore, the most suitable, as numerical statistics will not provide much useful information on the phenomena of cyber warfare use in contemporary conflicts.
Conclusion
The emergence of cyber warfare as a new battleground has become a topic of increasing concern in recent years. The study aims to delve into how cyber warfare has evolved, from the interception of enemy data to the dissemination of viruses and propaganda through social media platforms. In order to ensure that ethical considerations are taken into account, informed consent and confidentiality will be given utmost importance throughout the research. As numerical data alone may not provide adequate insights and understanding of the phenomenon of cyber warfare in modern wars, qualitative research methods are deemed to be most appropriate. This research intends to shed light on the prevalence and scope of cyber warfare in the country, as well as how its use has evolved in the 21st century with a growing emphasis on social media presence. By conducting this research, it is hoped that policymakers and military strategists will gain a more comprehensive understanding of the implications and challenges posed by cyber warfare in contemporary conflicts.
References
Bastian, N. D. (2019). Information warfare and its 18th and 19th century roots. The Cyber Defense Review, 4(2), 31-38. Web.
Bennett, W. L., & Livingston, S. (2018). The disinformation order: Disruptive communication and the decline of democratic institutions. European Journal of Communication, 33(2), 122-139. Web.
Chin, W. (2019). Technology, war and the state: Past, present and future. International Affairs, 95(4), 765-783. Web.
Qureshi, W. A. (2019). Information warfare, international law, and the changing battlefield. Fordham International Law Journal, 43(4), 901. Web.
Lazer, D. M., Baum, M. A., Benkler, Y., Berinsky, A. J., Greenhill, K. M., Menczer, F.,… & Zittrain, J. L. (2018). The science of fake news. Science, 359(6380), 1094-1096. Web.