The Use of Information Operations (IO) in Immersive Virtual Environments (IVE)
Abstract
As the nature of warfare evolves, brute force is less applicable as an effective course of action. Constraints to conventional combat action necessitate a commander's use of less destructive means to achieve mission objectives. Information Operations (IO) employed within Immersive Virtual Environments (IVE) like Second Life is potentially capable of meeting that requirement. The growing popularity and pervasiveness of IVEs present new opportunities and vulnerabilities as compared with more traditional methods of IO. Interactions within IVEs have measurable social and economic impacts in the physical world. The use of IO in IVEs can bring exponentially disproportionate effects relative to the effort required. China is a prime example of a potential antagonist that is likely to exploit IO in IVEs. China's modern warfare strategies are built around asymmetry. This includes the justification of pre-emptive offensive cyber attacks. It is reasonable to expect China and others to expand their cyber warfare portfolio to include the use of IO in IVEs. The United States cannot afford to ignore this real and emerging threat. Continued research into developing this capability provides assurance that DoD will realize the potential in this area before falling victim to adversarial exploitation of the same.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA582845
Entities
People
- Joseph V. Benson
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School