Deterring cyber warfare
Subtitle: bolstering strategic stability in cyberspace
By: Brian M. Mazanec, George Mason University, United States and Bradley A. Thayer, Professor, Faculty of Political Science, University of Iceland, Iceland
Contributors: Thayer, Bradley A., author
Series: Palgrave pivot
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Published: 2015
Place of publication: Basingstoke; New York, NY
Language: eng
Number of pages: 95
ISBN-13: 9781137476173; 9781137476180; 9781137476197
Subjects: Cyberspace; Deterrence (Strategy); Security measures; Cyberspace operations (Military science); Government policy
Description: Deterrence theory was well developed during the Cold War for the deterrence of kinetic attacks. While the deterrence of cyber attacks is one of the most important issues facing the United States and other nations, the application of deterrence theory to the cyber realm is problematic. This study offers an introduction to cyber warfare and a review of the challenges associated with deterring cyber attacks. Mazanec and Thayer recommend efforts in three specific areas to aid the deterrence of major cyber attacks: by cultivating beneficial norms for strategic stability; by continuing efforts in the area of improving cyber forensics and defences; and, finally, by developing and communicating a clear declaratory policy and credible options for deterrence-in-kind so as to make escalation unavoidable and costly. This timely study reflects increased international interest in cyber warfare, and is based on the recognition that information networks in cyberspace are becoming operational centres of gravity in armed conflict.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 78-91) and index.
Table of contents: title: Cyberspace, cyber warfare, and cyber deterrence; title: Cyberspace and cyber warfare; title: Deterrence theory and the challenge of applying it to cyber warfare; title: Improving deterrence of cyber attacks; title: Cultivating beneficial norms for strategic stability; title: Continuing efforts to improve cyber forensics and bolster defences; title: Developing a declaratory policy and offensive cyber weapons; title: Conclusions.