CYBERWAR: FORMS AND EFFECTS

Abstract

Cyberwar is an attack on a country’s information resources. It can take many forms including standalone Internet attacks and cyber-attacks combined with conventional attacks. The goals of a cyberwar can be to force surrender, create confusion and mistrust or create a false impression of the attacker. This paper examines recent developments in Estonia, where Russia waged a cyberwar against the country, as a model of a cyberwar. The Chiapas rebellion in Mexico is examined as a model of information warfare. The question as to whether the United States is currently involved in a cyberwar is also examined. The conclusion reached is that while not in a hot cyberwar the United States could be in a cyber cold war.