LESSONS FROM THE FRONT: A CASE STUDY OF RUSSIAN CYBER WARFARE
Abstract
Lessons From The Front: A Case Study Of Russian Cyber Warfare looks to capitalize on the lessons learned from the alleged Russian cyber-offensive on Estonian networks in 2007 and the conflict that erupted in South Ossetia in 2008 following prolonged destabilizing efforts on the part of Russia. The goal of this research is to improve the United States Air Force (USAF) outlook in future conflicts by extrapolating the likely cyber-tactics to be utilized by a technically symmetric adversary, and how the USAF can use this knowledge to better protect itself. This research question is answered through the careful analysis and comparison of two disparate conflicts related by their collision with Russian cyber-warfare. Following case study discussion of Estonia and Georgia, the two cases are analyzed and discussed to study the Russian tactics that were used effectively during these conflicts. Based on this research and analysis, the following conclusions were made. A sophisticated cyber-offensive on the USAF will most likely involve the following: Cyber-attacks on target systems will not be limited to states of declared war; The cyber domain will be integrated with Land, Sea, Air, and Space campaigns; Adversary will capitalize on the USAFs tech-dependence by degrading C2 picture. In light of these conclusions, the report recommends the USAF does the following: Pursues an internationally accepted protocol for proportional cyber-responses; Utilizes education programs to develop Airmen that can exploit the inherent weaknesses involved in an integrated cyber-offensive; Maintains responsive DDoS mitigation capabilities and exercises its Airmen in how to operate in a degraded technological state.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1040762
Entities
People
- Max Gordon
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College