Cyberspace superiority

Definition

Cyberspace superiority is a military term that refers to the degree of dominance in cyberspace by a force that enables the secure and reliable conduct of operations without adversarial interference. Essentially, it is the ability to control and manipulate cyberspace as needed for a strategic advantage. This involves protecting one’s own information systems, disrupting or degrading the enemy’s capabilities, and exploiting the enemy’s vulnerabilities.

Key Takeaways

1. Cyberspace superiority refers to the ability of a military force to control, manage, and operate in the cyberspace domain freely at a specific level, while simultaneously denying the same to an adversary. This level of control is vital for modern warfare.
2. The concept goes beyond mere protection of online assets. It includes the capacity to disrupt, degrade, or destroy opponents’ ability to use cyberspace for military advantage. This could involve operations such as hacking, misinformation, or cyber espionage.
3. Attaining cyberspace superiority is a continuously evolving challenge due to the dynamic nature of cyberspace. It requires regular development and innovation in technology, robust cyber defense strategies, skilled cyber personnel, and continuously updated tactics and procedures.

Importance

Cyberspace superiority is a critical term in military operations because of the integral role technology and digital communication systems play in modern warfare.

It refers to the ability to control and dominate the information realm, allowing a military force to freely operate in and exploit cyberspace while denying the same to its adversaries.

This capability is important as it enhances the overall effectiveness and efficiency of military operations such as intelligence gathering, communication, coordination and execution of strategies.

Moreover, achieving cyberspace superiority can also serve as a deterrence tactic, discouraging or disrupting potential cyber threats.

Hence, cyberspace superiority fundamentally strengthens a nation’s defense capabilities.

Explanation

Cyberspace superiority is a military operation term that refers to the ability to control and dominate the information environment by efficiently exploiting, attacking, and defending the cyberspace. The purpose of achieving cyberspace superiority is to ensure one’s own freedom of operation in the cyberspace while denying the same to adversaries. With the growth of digital technology, cyberspace has turned into a potential battlefield where nations can engage in operations without the direct use of force like traditional warfare.

Here, decision-making superiority, secured communication, and intelligence gathering are the prime objectives. The use or application of cyberspace superiority is multifaceted and fundamental to modern military operations. It facilitates the execution of operations in other domains (land, air, sea, and space), providing a critical advantage.

What’s more, it helps in the disruption of enemy communications, the prevention of data breaches, and the preservation of essential networks and systems from adversaries’ cyber-attacks. To achieve this, various strategies such as active defense, passive defense, enabling, and attacking are utilized. In essence, cyberspace superiority empowers a military force to reliably utilize its technical infrastructure as a tactical and strategic advantage.

Examples of Cyberspace superiority

Operation Glowing Symphony: In 2016, the US Cyber Command launched an offensive cyber operation against ISIS. The operation aimed to undermine ISIS’s media distribution network, leading to a distinct advantage over the terrorist organization in the digital arena. This operation is an example of achieving cyberspace superiority, effectively disrupting the adversary’s cyber capabilities.

Estonian Cyber Defense: In 2007, Estonia was hit by a massive cyber-attack allegedly by Russia, which targeted government, media, and financial sector websites. Since then, Estonia has developed a robust cyber defense system, and today the country is considered to have one of the top cybersecurity systems in the world, showcasing their efforts towards achieving cyberspace superiority.

Distributed Denial of Secrets: This is a non-governmental, nonprofit operation with the aim of enabling the free transmission of data in the public interest. They provide a variety of materials to journalists, academics, and the general public. In doing so, they hope to foster public understanding of the workings of powerful institutions, thereby hoping to balance power dynamics. Their operation can be seen as an attempt to wrest cyberspace superiority from governments and corporations who might otherwise monopolize control over certain information.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cyberspace Superiority

What is Cyberspace Superiority?

Cyberspace superiority is the level of control that a political entity or military force has over cyberspace, including the ability to resist cyber attacks and to use the power of the internet and other digital spaces for their own operational advantage.

Why is Cyberspace Superiority Important?

As technology improves and becomes increasingly pervasive in all aspects of life, control over the digital space can translate to control over information, communication, and even assets and infrastructure. Thus, cyberspace superiority is essential for maintaining the security and efficacy of a nation’s or group’s operations.

How is Cyberspace Superiority Achieved?

Cyberspace superiority is achieved through a range of strategies from developing strong cybersecurity defenses, to investing in cutting-edge technology and training personnel in cybersecurity, and sometimes even including offensive hacking operations.

What Challenges Exist in Maintaining Cyberspace Superiority?

The dynamic and quick-evolving nature of technology makes maintaining cyberspace superiority a challenge. It requires constant vigilance, regular updates and innovations, and a deep understanding of the complexities of international cyberspace law.

What Role does the Military Play in Cyberspace Superiority?

The military plays a significant role in cyberspace superiority. They are instrumental in creating and implementing cyber strategies that protect critical infrastructure from threats, maintaining information security, and ensuring the uninterrupted communication and operations in the event of a cyber-attack.

Related Military Operation Terms

• Information Assurance
• Cybersecurity Policy
• Network Defense
• Data Privacy
• Cyber Threat Intelligence

Sources for More Information

• Department of Defense – The US Department of Defense’s official website offers comprehensive information about their cyber defense strategies and goals in achieving cyberspace superiority.
• Air University (U.S. Air Force) – The Air University of the U.S. Air Force provides resources and research papers discussing components of cyberspace superiority.
• RAND Corporation – This global policy think tank has conducted numerous research studies regarding cybersecurity and the military’s role in achieving cyberspace superiority.
• U.S. Cyber Command – The U.S. Cyber Command’s official site provides insight into the operations and strategies employed by the U.S. military to ensure cyberspace superiority.