Computer Networks and Information Warfare: Implications for Military Operations

Abstract

The ability to disrupt, disable, or create military effects with cyber attacks has gained increasing attention in the U.S. military. Unfortunately, the development of information warfare as an offensive tool raises concerns about the vulnerability of the United States, which is highly dependent upon the flow of information. The problem is that the United States may present a more lucrative set of targets for information attack than many of our potential enemies. As the President's Commission on Critical Infrastructure Protection argued, the United States is highly vulnerable to cyber-attacks against power grids, the banking system, and communications networks. This dependence upon information, which has profound advantages for the U.S. military, implies that the United States is vulnerable to an attack by determined adversaries and raises questions about the ability of the U.S. military to conduct combat operations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADA406264

Entities

People

  • David J. Gruber

Organizations

  • Air University Press

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • C4I
  • Cyber
  • Electronic Warfare
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Airborne Warning And Control System
  • Computer Communications
  • Computer Networks
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Control Systems
  • Electronic Mail
  • Information Operations
  • Information Systems
  • Information Warfare
  • Military Operations
  • Military Organizations
  • Personnel Management
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Cybersecurity.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.

Technology Areas

  • Cyber