Moral and Ethical Considerations for Computer Network Attack As a Means of National Power in Time of War
Abstract
Today, we are on the verge of technological advances which will redefine how we wage war and, in many cases, blur the current line between economic competition and warfare. The technology area which holds the most promise as well as the most unknown danger is the world of Computer networks-cyberspace. Cyberspace is a "place" in many respects. A "place" enables people to meet, exchange ideas and information, conduct business, and, importantly, compete. More than a means of communication comprising a meeting ground and information exchange, cyberspace is a pathway for commerce. In the future mankind's activities will center more on interpreting or sorting data to derive information and then sharing that information in useful ways. The overwhelming majority of this information will be relayed via computer networks, and this information will carry increasing value as a commodity. Already, companies compete for market share by advertising on the internet. Increasingly, we may find this competition extending into disrupting information flows of competitors. From there, it is not hard to imagine rival nations capitalizing upon each others' computer network vulnerabilities to promote their own national interests. Thus cyberspace will become another medium for human competition expressed as warfare.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 10, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA376725
Entities
People
- William J. Bayles
Organizations
- United States Army War College