Hybrid Warfare in Cyber domain: Case Study of hybrid threats in cyberspace

Abstract

Cyberspace has penetrated every facet of society's life and the nation's security. It entangled the whole world together, providing exceptional opportunities and threats. One of these threats is a new kind of warfare known as Hybrid warfare; Its nature is to deploy all unconventional means to achieve objectives given by its user. Additionally, means used in cyberspace and capabilities it offers have a complementary effect on Hybrid warfare strategies creating a positive feedback loop. Targets of this new type of warfare are usually Western democracies or nations affiliated with them. The western open approach to cyberspace proved to be readily exploitable by malicious actors. These actors are nations such as Russia or China. However, private entities or individuals have, too, proved to be capable of employing Hybrid tactics. These tactics employed are cyberattacks, data gathering and exploitation, and disinformation. There is a case period for each of them: Cyberattacks during 2007 Estonia, Data gathering and exploitation, the Chinese model and its dissemination, and disinformation throughout the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Each case will attempt to examine the effects of Cyberspace on Hybrid warfare; Which proved to be a complementary effect, cyberspace amplifying Hybrid warfare and providing it...