In recent years, technological evolution has led to a significant change in the way wars are conducted and nations are defended. Central to this transformation is the rise of cyber attacks in the military context, which have become one of the most significant and insidious threats to global security.
These attacks, which range from the theft of confidential information to the destabilisation of critical infrastructure, offer attackers a powerful means to influence geopolitical dynamics without necessarily resorting to conventional military force.
Cyber attacks can take many forms, each with specific objectives and methods. Here is an overview of the most common types:
- Malware: Any malicious software designed to damage or exploit any programme, network or system. It includes viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, spyware and adware.
- Phishing: Attempts to trick victims into revealing personal information, such as passwords and credit card details, through fake emails or websites that appear legitimate.
- Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks: Attackers intercept communication between two parties in order to steal or manipulate data.
- Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS)These attacks aim to overload the resources of a system or network, making it inaccessible to legitimate users.
- SQL Injection: The attacker exploits vulnerabilities in the application software to insert or 'inject' malicious SQL code into a database, allowing them to access or destroy sensitive data.
- Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): An attacker inserts malicious code into web pages viewed by other users to steal information or to compromise the user's interaction with the application.
- Zero-day Exploit: Attacks that exploit security vulnerabilities not yet known to the creators of the software or the public. Attackers use them before they are fixed.
- Supply chain attacksThey aim to compromise suppliers or partners in an organisation's supply chain in order to gain access to the main target's systems or networks.
- Ransomware: A type of malware that encrypts the victim's files, making them inaccessible, and demands a ransom for decryption.
- Credential Stuffing AttacksThey use lists of usernames and passwords stolen from one site to attempt to gain access to other sites, exploiting the re-use of credentials by users.
- Social Engineering: Psychological manipulation of users to make them perform actions or reveal confidential information. It is not based on technical vulnerabilities, but on human ones.
- Insider Threats: Security threats originating from persons within the organisation, such as employees, former employees, contractors or business partners, who have internal access to systems or data.
These attacks can have different objectives, such as data theft, disruption of services, damage to systems or networks, or financial fraud. Effective security measures require a multi-layered approach that includes physical, technical and administrative protection to mitigate these risks.
The new frontier of cyber warfare
Cyber attacks in the military domain represent a new frontier of cyber warfare, allowing states and non-state groups to engage in hostile actions with a degree of anonymity and deniability. These attacks can have different targets, including:
- Cyber Espionage: The theft of sensitive data and military secrets through cyber intrusions has become a common practice, providing attackers with valuable information on defence plans, advanced technologies and operational strategies.
- Sabotage: Cyber attacks can be aimed at disabling critical infrastructure, such as power grids, communication systems and weapons controls, causing disruption and compromising a nation's ability to respond.
- Disinformation and Psychological OperationsThe use of cyber campaigns to spread disinformation and influence public opinion is another powerful tool that can alter the political balance and undermine social cohesion.
Challenges and answers
The asymmetric nature of cyber warfare poses unique challenges for national defence. The difficulty of attribution, the speed of attacks and their global reach require innovative and collaborative responses. Nations are investing significantly in strengthening their cyber defence capabilities, developing specialised cyber warfare military units and cooperating internationally to counter cyber threats.
Towards a collective security framework
The growing threat of cyber attacks in the military context underlines the need for a multilateral approach to cyber security. The creation of international norms for behaviour in cyberspace, together with the development of information-sharing mechanisms and cooperation on cyber defence, are key steps to prevent conflict escalation and to ensure global stability.
Recently, the Italian Army has also undertaken an initiative to strengthen the awareness and preparedness of its forces for these challenges. Recently, the Cyber Security Awareness App was developed and launched (discussed in this article), a platform designed to educate and train military and civilian personnel on cyber security. With the introduction of this app, the Italian Army underlines its commitment to promoting a digital security culture that is up to the challenges of the 21st century.
Conclusion
Cyber attacks in the military context pose a complex and evolving challenge to international security. As nations adapt to this new form of conflict, the ability to prevent, detect and respond effectively to cyber attacks will be crucial to maintaining peace and protecting critical infrastructure. In this scenario, international collaboration and technological innovation play a key role in defining the future of global security in the digital age.
