Cyber Warfare: A Reference Handbook

Cyber warfare, a term that encompasses a wide range of computer-based attacks on targeted enemy states, has emerged as one of the most pressing national security concerns of the 21st century. All around the world, the scramble to shield thoroughly computerized military and infrastructure resources from cyber attacks is intensifying. Military experts, for example, believe that Ukraine's ability to defend its cyberspace from Russian cyber attacks was one of the key reasons Russia's dramatic 2022 invasion of neighboring Ukraine failed to topple the Ukrainian government in Kiev. This all-in-one resource explains the world of cyber warfare in authoritative but lay friendly terms. First, it details the historical evolution of cyber warfare and the different forms it can take, from crippling attacks on power grids and communications networks to secret intelligence gathering. From there it moves into a wide-ranging exploration of the main controversies and issues surrounding cyber security and cyber warfare, as well as coverage of major cyber warfare attacks, the organizations responsible, and the steps that the United States and other countries are taking to protect themselves from this constantly evolving threat. Like all books in the Contemporary World Issues series, this volume features a suite of "Perspectives" in which cyber warfare experts provide insights on various elements of cyber warfare. Other features include informative primary documents, data tables, chronology, and a glossary of terms.