On January 14, Ukraine experienced a string of cyberattacks that resulted in the collapse of several Ukrainian government’s websites with a warning message that states, “All information about you has become public, be afraid and expect the worst” (Margaret et.al., 2022). Sources suggest that an unknown group initiated the cyber attack with close ties to the Russian government (Margaret et.al., 2022). As such, the news story highlights the uncanny ability of a foreign entity (Russia) to directly attack the government of another country (Ukraine) while maintaining deniability. Not only were they able to extract private information, but they were able to intimidate high-ranking officials without explicit aggression. Similarly, cyber warfare has become a tool for Russia to exert its authority\/presence in countries (especially post-soviet states), making even Stalin proud. For instance, Sood and Chaturvedi recently uncovered a malware called ‘Collector-stealer’ whose purpose is to “target European countries, but it also affects users in other countries such as the USA, China, Cambodia and others” (Sood and Chaturvedi, 2021). The virus was found to have Russian origins and utilized phishing and shady downloads to target users (see figure 1). The virus could have devastating effects, primarily when used on government institutions to extract private information via text duplication, window screenshots, and streaming computers remotely (Sood and Chaturvedi, 2021). Moreover, the two examples mentioned above reiterate the theme of cyber warfare, which is to indirectly achieve one’s goal in harming foreign governments and their citizens without direct aggression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Big Influence <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, cyber warfare could be used to influence a government through hidden cyber channels or spread propaganda. The key nation-state that has perfected the influence game is the Chinese Communist Party, which has been known to influenced elections, laws, and even politicians (no surprise here!) in western countries (Robert and Chase, 2022). Recently, Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) issued a statement suggesting China’s attempt at “covertly domesticate relations with elected officers to achieve sway over parliamentary debates and authorities decision-making” (Robert and Chase, 2022). The article emphasizes the use of disinformation campaigns through social media to influence public order and policies in a foreign country. For instance, a report by Washington Post suggests how China purchased Twitter and Facebook social media account for their institutions (police, for instance). These social media accounts then attempted to promote positive views on their glorious leader, spreading misinformation about political candidates\/ideologies, thereby furthering domestic polarization (see figure 2), and hiding sensitive information such as the Ughyur genocide (Cate, 2022). When combined, these tools could have devastating effects on the nation and could potentially undermine democracy or social unity through covert influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What Can Be Done <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n These strategies could be utilized to limit foreign interference and protect their citizens and institutions from cyber-attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, this article highlighted how cyberwar is conducted to achieve militaristic goals without physical aggression or influence a foreign government to promote policies\/laws that are not of interest to their citizens. Also, considering Russia and China are both communist regimes that engage extensively in cyber warfare, it makes one question if Karl Marx should have included a chapter on cyberwarfare in his bestseller Communist Manifesto<\/em>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Appendix<\/p>\n\n\n\n Figure 1<\/strong>: The image above was extracted from Sood and Chaturvedi article (Sood and Chaturvedi, 2021). The images show a keygen capable of cracking Microsoft office. However, upon downloading, the collector-stealer virus is activated, transmitting private data from the user back to the hacker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Figure 2<\/strong>: The image above shows a fake Twitter account with a post stating the death related to gun violence in the United States. Currently, the account is suspended due to disinformation. Nonetheless, numerous accounts like these spread false information to further polarization in Western countries. Image extract from BBC article (Carmichael, 2021).<\/p>\n\n\n\n References<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Brenna, Margaret, et al. \u201cUkraine Hit with Cyberattack, a Tactic It \u2018Expected\u2019 to Precede a \u2018Full Invasion\u2019 by Russia.\u201d CBS News<\/em>, CBS Interactive, 14 Jan. 2022, https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/ukraine-cyber-attack-russia-us-nato-donbas-war-amabssador-markarova\/. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cadell, Cate. \u201cChina Harvests Masses of Data on Western Targets, Documents Show.\u201d The Washington Post<\/em>, WP Company, 1 Jan. 2022, https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/national-security\/china-harvests-masses-of-data-on-western-targets-documents-show\/2021\/12\/31\/3981ce9c-538e-11ec-8927-c396fa861a71_story.html. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Carmichael, Flora. \u201cHow a Fake Network Pushes pro-China Propaganda.\u201d BBC News<\/em>, BBC, 5 Aug. 2021, https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-china-58062630. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fife, Robert and Steven, Chase. \u201cCanada’s Spy Agency Warns Mps to Beware of Influence Operations from China.\u201d The Globe and Mail<\/em>, 11 Jan. 2022, https:\/\/www.theglobeandmail.com\/politics\/article-spy-agency-briefing-mps-to-beware-of-influence-operations-from-china\/. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sood, Aditya, and Chaturvedi, Rohit. \u201cCollector-Stealer: A Russian Origin Credential and Information Extractor.\u201d The Virus Bulletin<\/em>, 8 Dec. 2021, https:\/\/www.virusbulletin.com\/uploads\/pdf\/magazine\/2021\/202112-collector-stealer.pdf<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Warfare has been a common theme throughout human history; however, in the 21st century, warfare has shifted from outright hostility and aggression to a more discrete form via the internet. This article will explore how cyberwar is conducted to achieve one’s objectives and its rippling consequences for the victims. The War On All Fronts On … <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/HgW9kNa7Ft1vmr2zynts-AtzW4VqUqNs7FmKMui63p91IPhOlstq693_uSQtIxlm4CycwCuoAuAkHwiHEitTKHnJnD8Tj0AtnCUtzwzGLTd6oa-J53VpM21fVdQEtR6YJkga5cAe\")
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