Cybersecurity in the Modern World: Defending Against Information Warfare
Much emphasis has been placed on the emergence of cyberspace as a distinct domain of warfare and the protection of military resources that rely on information networks for a variety of critical operations such as command and control, intelligence cycle support, logistics, and weapon technologies, among others.
Cyberattacks have piqued the interest of the press and a global community interested in how skilled attackers can exploit a complex, interconnected world with as little as a laptop or desktop computer. Cybercrime is on the rise, with expenditures expected to exceed USD 10.5 trillion by 2025.
ALSO READ: Cybersecurity’s Hidden Role in a Greener World: Safeguarding Sustainability in the Digital Age
While not novel, asymmetric warfare — in which a force uses proxy wars, disinformation operations, and other unconventional and thus unpredictable methods—remains an evident cyber weapon that many corporate leaders must grasp. Today’s headlines demonstrate the power of ignorance (mistakes) and disinformation (outright lies) on both sides of the geopolitical spectrum.
The downfalls of the Information Age
However, misinformation and deception are not limited to geopolitics; these phenomena occur in organizations all around the world. The creation and spread of disruptive new technologies such as the internet and social media have resulted in massive societal transformations.
There are now communication channels that would have been the stuff of science fiction novels a generation ago. Smartphones have simply expedited the process. Our interconnection creates significant communication issues, particularly when a crisis requires explanation.
Critical information can be lost when cyber threats interrupt a company, potentially affecting millions of individuals. Poor delivery and slick spin, as well as the seeming confusion of the victim business’s leaders, can alienate the audience.
Consumers and valued partners are frequently subjected to the hazards of poor delivery, misguided messaging, and organizational leadership’s fear of brand damage.
ALSO READ: Android Fingerprint Recognition Systems Vulnerable to BrutePrint Attack with $15 device
After a cyber disaster, organizations may be delayed or hesitant to communicate information to consumers or impacted parties, which can sometimes give the impression of a reluctance to say anything at all, sowing seeds of distrust.
Covert Disinformation
Any IT team is vulnerable to distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. A sudden spike of internet traffic to a company’s public-facing web or application servers might swiftly breach the defenses. These are extremely devastating attacks, particularly for internet organizations, with potential losses of millions of dollars for every hour of outage.
However, as harmful as DDoS attacks are, they may be the least of IT’s concerns. A DDoS attack can be a cover for something much greater. A bad actor may draw your attention with a DDoS attack while mounting a larger, stealthier, and even more devastating attack. These are classic examples of how threat actors can utilize a diversion.
The Need For Truth
At an age when data travels widely and quickly, mistakes and untruths can and do proliferate, disrupting the flow of helpful information. This can make the difference between a modest breach and a full-fledged cyberattack that can impede business operations for days, weeks, or even hours for firms that have experienced a cyber incident.
Too often, while reporting a cyber event, firms do not fully comprehend what transpired. Official disclosure filings frequently reveal executives’ worry and doubt about the scope of cyber-attacks on their company’s digital infrastructure.
Dependable and confident crisis communications that provide clear and accurate information as soon as possible will provide reassurance regarding the events of a cyber-incident and the efforts a firm is making to mitigate the attack and prevent additional damage.
ALSO READ: How Deepfake Technology Poses a Threat to Data Security?
In this age of instant communication, firms should include public disclosures in their cyber response plans and be prepared to communicate the issue in the public realm as soon and as publicly as feasible.
Conclusion
The possibility of a catastrophic cyberattack with potentially devastating consequences is a real fear. The greater threat, though, is an information attack, which has already occurred. Future attackers will most likely be reviewing what transpired to improve their operations and streamline their processes for future targets. Cybersecurity challenges continue to put the business and governmental sectors to the test.
Companies may obtain a decent read on what’s going on inside their digital infrastructure (both IT and OT) in real-time with artificial intelligence (AI) technology, adequately preparing them for inevitable exposure. With this level of visibility and detail, you can predict more cyber threats and convey what went wrong both internally and externally.
