Denial and Deception--Network-Centric Challenge
Abstract
Adversarial denial and deception (D&D) poses a serious challenge to future operational concepts based on perceived informational superiority. An analysis of how D&D may interact in a future network centric environment demonstrates some inherent vulnerabilities of information technology (IT) based warfighting theory. Operational D&D has continued to keep pace with sensor development and through physical, technical and administrative means will be able to influence sensor derived information. Once our information is tainted, network centric's reliance on information dominance will become a vulnerability. Deception will travel at high speeds and effect multiple operational levels due to the networked operational picture provided by network centric theory. Our dependence on reliable and timely information, if affected by D&D, may lead to ambiguity, misdirection, and/or false security. Network centric's speed of command will further exasperate D&D's effect by increasing the speed of deception while simultaneously reducing the likely identification of deception through analysis. Our speed and networked precision may also finely hone our operational art to the point of making us predictable and therefore more susceptible to adversarial D&D. The additional network centric attributes of self synchronization, platform reduction, and adversarial lock out will also contribute to our vulnerability to D&D by creating an environment of enemy underestimation and increasing the severity of consequences of friendly action taken under the influence of adversarial D&D. The D&D challenge that network centric warfighting faces can be addressed through an increased emphasis on the importance of networked analysis. Additionally, future doctrine must reflect a clear understanding of anti-D&D methodologies so that operational commanders of the future are aware of and can plan how to counter D&D when they face it.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA363099
Entities
People
- Kevin N. Kearney
Organizations
- Naval War College