Cyberwarfare involves computer-based attacks against a country’s computer networks, causing damage or disruption. The word cyberwarfare refers to the concept of cyberspace—that is, the internet and related communications technologies considered as a kind of environment or landscape. This landscape serves as the virtual “battlefield” on which cyberwarfare is fought. A cyberwarfare attack may include such activities as computer hacking and the distribution of malware (harmful computer programs). Computer networks can be used to access such institutions as banks and government organizations, as well as such physical infrastructure as power plants and water supply systems. As a result, cyberwarfare has the potential to cause great damage outside of cyberspace. Experts worry that a full-scale cyberwar between technologically advanced nations would be devastating.
Unlike traditional military strikes, cyberattacks can easily be conducted anonymously. Thus, it can be difficult or impossible to trace a cyberattack to a national government or other organization. This fact makes it difficult for the defender to legally act in self defense. The international community lacks consensus on acceptable rules for cyberwarfare.
An early major cyberattack occurred in 2007 in Estonia. Cyberattacks crippled Estonian banks, news websites, and government websites. These attacks were traced to Russia. Following the attacks, national and international organizations worked to strengthen their capability to prevent cyberattacks.
By the 2010’s, experts believed that most nations had worked to develop cyberwarfare capabilities. In 2010, a malware program called Stuxnet attacked an Iranian nuclear plant. It did so by sabotaging hundreds of machines called centrifuges. The attack was later traced to the United States and Israel.
In 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, both countries used cyberwarfare alongside traditional warfare tactics. Experts believe defense against cyberattacks is now a crucial part of defense in warfare.
