Defining Cyber and Focusing the Military's Role in Cyberspace

Abstract

This strategy research paper proposes definitions for cyber crime, cyber war, and cyber terrorism that possess potential for wide adoption throughout the U.S. government, civilian sector, and international community. Using the proposed definitions, more distinct roles for government agencies and civilian sector emerge. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) retains the lead for overall domestic cyber security with support from the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Justice (DoJ), Department of State, and the civilian sector. DoD assumes primary responsibility for cyber war, while DHS and DoJ assume primary responsibility for cyber crime and cyber terrorism. The proposed definitions permit DoD to focus on defending, deterring, disrupting, and defeating adversaries that conduct and prosecute cyber war against the U.S. and its allies. The proposed definitions also help to identify cost savings by reducing or eliminating inefficient and duplicative capabilities throughout the government. Lastly, the proposed definitions serve as an aid to decision makers as they work their way through the challenges of Jus ad Bellum and Jus in Bello when responding to cyber threats.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2013
Accession Number
ADA589250

Entities

People

  • Samuel P. Mowery

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Civil Rights
  • Congress
  • Cyber Threats
  • Cyber Warfare
  • Cyberattacks
  • Cybersecurity
  • Cyberspace
  • Cyberspace Operations
  • Cyberterrorism
  • Department Of Homeland Security
  • Homeland Security
  • Information Systems
  • International Relations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Terrorism
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Cybersecurity.
  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.

Technology Areas

  • Cyber
  • Cyber - Legality in Cyberspace