Session 1: Cyber Defense and Military Operations (09:00-10:40)
China, the United States and Russia are just a few of the increasing number of countries that have established dedicated commands for cyber defense operations. Alternately regarded as strategic necessity and potential source of international insecurity, these developments are followed with both interest and concern by military planners and security analysts worldwide. This session asks how do we conceptualize the ‘information war’, and what dimensions should we distinguish? Where does cyber warfare fit in the wider scope of military operations? What offensive and defensive capacities can militarized cyber units project?
Speakers
Senior Colonel Lu Zhian 逯志安 大校
Research Fellow in the Department of Operation Theory and Doctrine Research, Academy of Military Science (AMS), PLA
The Influence of Cyberspace Operations on Future Warfare
Since the birth of the ARPANET in the 1960s and its military applications in the United States, information and cyber technologies have rapidly extended from the military field to civilian sectors, and to the whole world with an unprecedented speed. As a consequence of that, various cyber security issues are becoming more prominent. Destructive activity in cyberspace can be conducted, disseminated, accumulated and amplified instantly, and the resulting impact is so huge that it can bring great disorder to society. Therefore, centering around cyberspace, a new concept emerges: cyberspace security; at the same time a new operational pattern also emerges: cyberspace operations. With the deep development of the two concepts, war form, operation mode, weapons and equipment will witness a series of profound changes, leading to a brand-new military revolution.
This presentation focuses on the influence of cyberspace operations on future warfare, and mainly covers three points: first, cyberspace operations can reduce the cost of war; second, cyberspace operations can prevent war; and third, cyberspace operations can help to win a war.
Wing Commander Gareth Mount
Wing Commander at the Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre, Ministry of Defence, Royal Air Force (United Kingdom)
UK Military Doctrine: the Challenge Presented by Cyber
The speed at which cyberspace has evolved has resulted in a number of challenges being identified by UK Defence as it adopts cyberspace as an operating environment alongside of air and space, maritime and land. This presentation explores, from a doctrine perspective, some of these challenges, with the legal, threats and threat actors, offensive cyber operations, resilience, technology, integration, deterrence being but only some of them. The presentation also looks, briefly, into the need for Defence to work with the other departments and agencies in a cross-government basis, in order to operate effectively in the cyber operating environment.
Dr. Walid Al-Saqaf
Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Media Studies, Stockholm University
Towards a Better Understanding of Cyber Security Threats and Possible Actions
There are many misconceptions and exaggerations about cyber security; one of the the most common of these, is the myth that cyber offence is the best cyber defence. It is essential to seek clarity in these issues, and not fall for the fear of technology. Instead we should actively seek knowledge about those issues and learn from experts in the field. In my short talk, I’ll lay out some general facts about cyber security threats from a technical standpoint in a comprehensive manner, while clarifying some of the most common misunderstandings. I’ll also be discussing possible ways of dealing with cyber security threats in positive manner, one does not limit the opportunities the Internet present to countries and individuals alike.