While the threat from terrorists and other asymmetric
enemies remains real and potent – there is great concern about historic and new
peer-sized threats. The maturation of the cyber domain as a battlefield has
brought with it a resurgence of nation-state enemies and adversaries.
Chief among them is Russia. On November 1, 2016 Reuters
reported “UK spy chief sees growing threats from Russian cyber- attacks,
espionage” (see: http://www.reuters.com/article/britain-security-russia-idUSL8N1D22K7)
In the days of the Cold War it was relatively easy to
stereotype the Russians as illustrated by my friends to the right: Boris
Badenov, Natasha Fatale and Fearless Leader; characters in the Rocky and
Bullwinkle cartoon series.
The Russians have always understood the need to control
information that has also become a strategic imperative that they have passed
along to other countries within their political umbrella. The article notes
that cyber attacks and espionage are increasingly being used to advance Russian
foreign policy goals.
There were a number of media reports indicating that the
Russians had the capability to hack voting systems and thereby impact the US
Presidential election.
The PRC has also been reportedly active in cyber attacks,
while perhaps not as subtle as their Russian counterparts, PRC hackers also
represent a state sponsored well-resourced and sophisticated threat.
The implications for US political and military strategies
are profound and the election of an avid Tweeter as President may actually be a
positive sign for PSYOP. President-elect Trump, for all is other
characteristics, is far more aware of the power of mass media and the
importance of Social Media.
Perhaps his new cabinet will be directed to formulate an
influence strategy that will meld all of government’s influence resources –
military and otherwise – as well as dedicate the cyber resources necessary to
support such a strategy.
Photo source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boris_Badenov
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