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Cyberwarfare, which is defined by Clarke (2010) as action by a given nation-state
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Introduction
Cyberwarfare, which is defined by Clarke (2010) as action by a given nation-state to maliciously penetrate another state’s computer networks for the main purpose of disrupting or causing damage is a major cause of national and global concern. This threat, which is often politically motivated, has in this year and for the very first time, been regarded to be a larger threat than terrorism or Al Qaeda by various U.S intelligence authorities (Dilanian, 2013). Computer security is indeed is an important concern for governments, businesses and individuals (OPC, 2011, p.11; Guttman & Roback, 1995). In this paper, we investigate the concept of cyberwarfare and explain why it is an area of concern for governments, businesses and individuals. Also investigated is how individuals attempt to breach computer security in this domain (methods of attack). This paper also presents the active and passive defenses that governments, businesses and individuals can use in combating cyber attack. The methods that security specialists employ in safeguarding computer systems are also explored in great detail.
The concept of cyberwarefare
The concept of cyberwarfare is basically a computer hacking activity which is politically motivated for the sake of espionage and sabotage. It is a special kind of information systems warfare which is sometimes viewed as analogues to the conventional warfare (O’Connel, 2012).As noted earlier, this threat, has in this year and for the very first time, been regarded to be a larger threat than terrorism or Al Qaeda by various U.S intelligence authorities (Dilanian, 2013).Indeed this makes cyberspace the 5th domain of military warfare (Taddeo, 2012, p.209).
So grave is the issue of cyber security that the U.S Department of Defense (DoD) has formally acknowledged it as a new domain in global warfare (Lynn, 2010).Lipman Report clearly indicated that several of United State’s key sectors of the economy as well as other nations are at great risk of cyber attacks. Cyber threats range from those targeting private to public facilities such as banking and financial sectors, transportation, education, medical, and manufacturing and government operations. In this regard, we can safely regard cyberwarfare as an event exhibiting characteristics of a conventional warfare but waged only in the cyberspace.
Methods of attack
According to Andress and Winterfield (2011), individuals and nation-states can use several methods in order to wage a cyber attack. These range from the use of malware, viruses, Distributed-denial of service (DDoS) attacks to the use of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) bombs. Wilson (2008) categorized the methods into three distinct issues; physical damage of computers as well as communication lines, the use of electromagnetic pulse to damage computers and the use of malware to manipulate as well as sabotage computer networks.
Malware attack involves the use of malicious software to infect individual, corporate or government computers. A perfect example of a malware that has been used in the past is Stuxnet, a malware which is arguably the most sophisticated cyberweapon ever designed (Bodenheimer, 2012). This malware was developed by United States in collaboration with Israel in order to sabotage the Iranian nuclear enrichment program. Its deployment was hugely successful to its creator since it completely destroyed the computers that were being used for the enrichment operations.
Physical damage of computers as well as communication lines is another method used in waging a cyber attack. This is usually achieved through the destruction as well as sabotage of computer hardware, aerials, cables as well as satellites. The use of EMP is also effective since it completely destroys all computer and communication equipment that are transistor-based.
Manipulation of computer networks is yet another example of cyberwarfare. It involves the use of programs to interfere with the integrity, availability as well as confidentiality of the computer and communication systems. This type of attack involves the use of DDoS attacks as well as man-in-the-middle attacks.
How to combat cyberwarfare
Cyber attacks can be combated through the application of active and passive anti-cyber attack strategies. There is a need for individuals, corporations and governments to develop methods for predicting, identifying and countering cyber attacks. Currently, several entities within the United States cyber community campaigning for the adoption of an anti-cyber attack campaign that is able to strategically as well as tactically deal with the eminent cyber threats (Menn, 2012). These anti-cyber attack strategies involved the application of active and passive defensive strategies to protect computer and communication systems against cyber attacks. Anti-cyber-attack strategies are mostly associated with both active and passive cyber attack defense measures that are used in protecting computer systems while counter-cyber-attack measures are mainly pre-emptive offensive techniques that are used to analyze behaviors and signatures and then subsequently deter, prevent, pre-empt as well as neutralize all sorts of hostile acts or intrusions (Swanson,Astrich,Robinson,2012).
Individuals, corporations and governments must therefore work together with security specialists in coming up with proper anti and counter-cyber-attack measures in order to ensure that the confidentiality, integrity and availability of computer and communication networks are never compromised. Intrusion detection systems must be used to help in forming a strategy that is more predictive than reactive. An early warning framework such as Lockwood’s 12-step Analytical Method for Prediction (LAMP) must also be implemented (Lockwood, 1996).The use of antivirus updated software such as Kaspersky Antivirus must also be used. Firewall must also be used with suitable policies put in place.
Conclusion
Cyberwarfare is a concept that can never be avoided in our current and future societies. Individuals, corporations and governments must therefore work together with security professionals in combating all sorts of offensive cyberwarfare. Active and passive defense mechanisms must therefore be designed to be used for predicting, identifying and countering cyber attacks. Otherwise, we might just be headed for a cyber Armageddon!
References
Andres,J.,Winterfield.,S. (2011).Cyber Warfare: Techniques, Tactics and Tools for Security
Practitioners. Waltham,MA: Syngress
Bodenheimer,DZ.(2012).Cyberwarfare in the Stuxnet Age Can Cannonball Law Keep Pace
With the Digital Battlefield? The SciTech Lawyer, 8 (3) (Winter,2012).Retrieved on 17 April,2013 from HYPERLINK “http://www.crowell.com/files/2012-bodenheimer-the-scitech-lawyer.pdf” http://www.crowell.com/files/2012-bodenheimer-the-scitech-lawyer.pdf
Clarke, R,A.(2010).Cyber War.New York,NY:Harper Collins
Guttman,B., Roback,EA. (1995). An Introduction to Computer Security: The NIST Handbook.
Nist special Publication800-12. Retrieved on 17 April,2013 from HYPERLINK “http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistpubs/800-12/handbook.pdf” http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistpubs/800-12/handbook.pdf
Dilanian, K (2013)”Cyber-attacks a bigger threat than Al Qaeda, officials say”, Los Angeles
Times, March 12, 2013. Retrieved on 17 April,2013 HYPERLINK “http://articles.latimes.com/2013/mar/12/world/la-fg-worldwide-threats-20130313” http://articles.latimes.com/2013/mar/12/world/la-fg-worldwide-threats-20130313
Lynn, W.J. ,III. “Defending a New Domain: The Pentagon’s Cyberstrategy”, Foreign Affairs,
Sept/Oct. 2010, pp. 97–108
Lockwood, J. (1996). Lockwood Analytical Method for Prediction, DC: JMIC.
Menn, J. (2012, June 18). “Hacked companies fight cyber criminals.” Retrieved on 17
April,2013 from the Canada.com website: HYPERLINK “http://www.canada.com/technology/Hacked+companies+fight+cyber+criminals/” http://www.canada.com/technology/Hacked+companies+fight+cyber+criminals/
O’Connel,ME (2012).Cyber Security without Cyber War. Oxford :Oxford University Press
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“Fundamental Privacy Rights within a Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness”.Submission by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada to the Government of Canada’s Beyond the Border Working Group public consultation.
Taddeo, M (2012). “Information Warfare: a Philosophical Perspective.”Presented at the 2012
4th International Conference on Cyber Conflict. Retrieved on 17 April,2013 HYPERLINK “http://www.ccdcoe.org/publications/2012proceedings/3_5_Taddeo_AnAnalysisForAJustCyberWarfare.pdf” http://www.ccdcoe.org/publications/2012proceedings/3_5_Taddeo_AnAnalysisForAJustCyberWarfare.pdf
Wilson,C (2008). Botnets, Cybercrime, and Cyberterrorism:Vulnerabilities and Policy Issues for
Congress.CRS Report for Congress Order Code RL32114.Updated January 28,2008. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/terror/RL32114.pdf” http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/terror/RL32114.pdf
Negative Impacts of Social Media on People’s Lives Analysis of Social Media is Attention Alcohol by Derek Thompson
Negative Impacts of Social Media on People’s Lives: Analysis of “Social Media is Attention Alcohol” by Derek Thompson
In his article, Derek metaphorically compares social media usage to alcohol consumption. He argues that social media is a product that is beneficial but addictive and naturally unwholesome in large doses. Derek writes that although many people use social media regularly, love it and are okay with it, many abuses it, and some develop unhealthy compulsions. Additionally, he proposes that thinking of social media as alcohol can guide reform efforts towards managing its use and impacts. Social media has serious negative effects on people lives; it creates feelings of inadequacy, affects mental health, enhances bullying, creates unrealistic expectations and creates addiction.
Social media creates feelings of inadequacy about life and appearance. Social media gives people a tool to compare themselves with others and to question their self-worth. The life and photographs people view on social media make them feel insecure about what is going on in their lives and how they look. Resulting in feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with their real personal lives. Similarly, social media provides a platform for people to show their best looks, from classic clothes to body and facial appearance. This impacts self-esteem and triggers feelings of inadequacy in people who do not feel good enough. For instance, Derek documents that Facebook and Instagram make young women, especially teen girls, feel worse about their bodies.
Secondly, social media negatively affects the mental health of its users. Social media triggers comparison in people, which is a sure path to anxiety and depression. Social media users tend to post the best parts of their lives, which most people compare to the worst in their personal lives; comparing yourself to another person creates the idea of missing out and negatively impacts self-esteem resulting in depression and anxiety. Derek documents that Instagram and Facebook users, especially teen girls, admit that what they see on these sites negatively affects their mental health. Also, those who already struggle with mental health acknowledge that Facebook and Instagram usage makes it worse. Similarly, the growing use of social media is limiting face to face interactions. Human beings need face to face interactions to be mentally healthy. Therefore, the more people use social media over face-to-face interactions, the more they risk developing mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Additionally, social media encourages bullying. Cyberbullying is a constant and ever-present threat in society. Social media platforms provide avenues for people to spread hurtful rumours, abuse or lie about others anonymously or use their real names. Most people who use social media, especially teens, experience bullying from their peers or are subjected to offensive comments. Victims of cyberbullying remains with lasting emotional scars, and some end up harming themselves physically or committing suicide.
Furthermore, social media creates unrealistic expectations, promotes self-absorption and creates confusion between reality with online. Social media platforms form unrealistic expectations of friends and life in individuals minds nurturing a severe lack of authenticity and encouraging lying. For instance, people use social media platforms to showcase exciting adventures, their love for friends and significant other and different successfully aspects of their lives. Although this can be a façade, people always use them as a yardstick to what life should be, creating unrealistic expectations in their personal lives. Similarly, social media platforms provide an avenue to make friends; most people confuse this with actual communication, in-person interactions, and socialising. Most friends on social media networks are not friends and can even be strangers. Additionally, sharing endless information about personal life and innermost thoughts on social media creates unhealthy self-absorption and can affect people’s ability to develop real-life connections.
Besides, social media creates addiction. Social media like cigarettes and alcohol can be addictive. Social media has a powerful draw that keeps people checking all the time without thinking. It is difficult for people with social media accounts to go an entire day without checking updates, commenting or posting. For instance, when individuals post a picture or update on social media platforms, they keep on motoring the likes and comments and replying. These activities can take an entire day without an individual realising. Also, it can build the need and desire to do so the following day. Derick documents that young teenagers often feel addicted to social media sites and are unable to stop themselves. He also documents his personal experience, “sometimes the content is unfavourable, and I regret how I spend my time…only to open the applications again, several minutes later (Thompson, 2021)” This shows some level of addiction.
In conclusion, although social media has beneficial qualities, its dark sides negatively impact the lives of individuals in society, especially teenagers. It affects people’s self-worth, causes cyberbullying, negatively affects people’s mental health, and wastes time due to its addictive nature. Like Derek Thompson proposes in his article “Social Media is Attention Alcohol”, social media should be subjected to guidelines like alcohol consumption to limit its impacts on individuals, especially teens.
Bibliography
Thompson, D. (2021, September 17). Social media is attention alcohol. The Atlantic. Retrieved November 11, 2021, from https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/09/social-media-attention-alcohol-booze-instagram-twitter/620101/.
Cyberloafers and Cyber sleuths
Title of Essay: Cyberloafers and Cyber sleuths
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Introduction
Advances in technology have given rise to a more sophisticated ways of social interaction. Man can now interact with the real world via computer-stimulated systems. This has encouraged social interaction which in turn improves the welfare of the concerned parties. However, the use of company facilities to pursue personal ambitions has raised eye brows between the employees and the employers.
To begin with, the functionalists argue that a society is comprised of different and interdependent structures including economy, education, religion as well as the family. These institutions are related and interdependent and functions together to enhance the stability and social order. It is therefore important that employers understand the significance of such relations and allow their workers to coordinate with their environments on pertinent issues in the society (Layder, 1981).
Besides, it is important to appreciate the differences and conflicts that emerge in a society. According to Karl max in his conflict theory, embraces the tensions and conflicts in the society and argue that such conflicts are necessary in fostering social stability and cohesion. The employers have a right to control what their employees are doing with the company computers during work time. On the other hand, the employees are social beings and have to interact with their colleagues in the society. Cyber slacking should not be encouraged in the workplace as employees are supposed to perform their office duties during such times. In cases where the activity of cyber slacking is rampant, the employers may be forced to initiate cyber sleuthing so as to enhance accountability in the workplace (Lichgate, & Zuckerman, 1997).
Interaction theory on the other hand emphasizes on the creation of social structures through interactions among the people in the society. According to the theory, the people themselves define what a social reality as well as what other people are doing. In a workplace for instance, the employers and the employees’ choice of behavior should be determined by existing situation. The interaction between the two parties should bring forth a standardized code of behavior in the company. Employees should understand that the company computers are only used to perform company duties during work time and not other social duties. However, such computers may be used to perform personal duties when situation demand. For example, an employee may want to attend to argent matters of his family such as sickness of a family member. In such situation, the employer should understand and allow the employee to use the company asset. In cases where employees are engaged in rampant cyber slacking, the employer has a right to initiate cyber sleuthing to ensure worker responsibility as well as accountability (Layder, 1981).
Generally, positive interaction between the employer and the employees in a workplace creates an atmosphere enjoyed by all the parties in the environment. Employees are entitled to respecting the company rules and regulations so as to execute their duties responsibly. They are supposed to carry out company duties during work time and perform personal work outside work time. They should not be engaged in cyber slacking or cyber loafing in an attempt to pursue their personal duties using the company computers during work time. However, employers should embrace some tolerance in situations of agency as mentioned earlier. Employers on the other hand are bestowed with the authority to ensure that the company regulations are adhered to. In cases where the employees are involved in rampant cyber slacking, the employers are left with no other alternative except to initiate cyber sleuthing so as to ensure responsibility and accountability in the workplace (Layder, 1981. However, cyber sleuthing may create conflict in the workplace as many employees would feel that their privacy has been invaded. In such cases, the company should adopt other methods of controlling cyber slacking including assigning workers duties that would be completed within the stipulated office hours.
Conclusion
All the stakeholders in the society should embrace the changes in the technologies as well as appreciate the importance of social interactions as a means of enhancing social stability. Companies should adopt strategies that do not create conflict between the workers and the employers as they pursue their duties and responsibilities in the workplace. Very strict rules in the company should also be avoided including cyber sleuthing which is considered invasionary to the privacy of the workers. More importantly, all the stakeholders should be encouraged to understand and respect the corporate culture and do what is right at the right time and place.
Referencing List:
Lichbach, M. & Zuckerman, A. (1997). Comparative politics: rationality, culture, and structure.
Cambridge University Press.
Layder, D. (1981). STRUCTURE, INTERACTION AND SOCIAL THEORY. Routledge.