FIGHTING AGAINST VIRTUAL ENEMIES

The Indian government is in the process of executing some radical reforms which will completely transform the way wars are fought against unfriendly forces in the dimension of cyberspace, explains AMARTYA SINHA

-  AMARTYA SINHA

Modern warfare, as it is known in the post-World War II era, has undergone a huge transformation in the last two decades. At a time when nations are increasingly boosting their arsenals with land-based, sea-based and aerial strike weapons, sub-conventional threats in the form of phishing and hacking attacks have emerged as a new challenge in the highly complex battlefield matrix. The technological capability provides the opportunity to wage incessant war by launching bits and bytes through cyberspace that can effectually destroy or cripple an adversary or potential adversary. Cyberattacking critical infrastructure can result in shutting down power grids across regions, turning off water supply, disrupting air and rail operations, disrupting oil pipelines and hydro projects, blocking banking and ATM services, disrupting stock market exchanges and the like. China employs cyberattacks to disrupt information and substitute disinformation as part of Information Warfare. Also, important is the Chinese capability of seizing command networks of the adversary that can create chaos during critical stages of battle.

Cybersecurity is becoming more and more vital for national security. Hackers, phishing, malware, viruses, automated tools, e-bombs, logic bombs, and EMP/ HPM attacks are threats that make critical infrastructure and distribution systems highly vulnerable. Incidental or deliberate damage can have a serious impact on the economy and essential services. China's cyberattacks on India's infrastructure and vaccine-producing facilities during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic highlight the dangers to national security. Moreover, artificial intelligence-assisted cyberattacks can penetrate complex firewalls as well.