Cyber warfare is a crucial and dangerous form of conflict in today’s world due to advancements in communication technology. It infiltrates all aspects of people’s lives and has control over public and private sectors in countries, affecting homes, transportation, infrastructure, and healthcare. Recognizing its significance, many countries have developed military and security policies to address cyber threats. They create defensive and offensive plans to deter enemies from attacking by threatening to launch counterattacks if any such aggression occurs.
Cyber warfare involves using digital attacks to harm a country or entity, causing damage similar to real war or disrupting vital computer systems. Many countries, including the US, UK, Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, and Israel, focus on developing their capabilities in this field. Resistance movements also have electronic capabilities, as seen in Israel’s claimed military action against a Palestinian cyber center in 2019.
Cyber warfare supports traditional warfare by attacking radar and air defense systems, enabling air forces to strike without facing resistance. It plays a crucial role in intelligence operations, especially in the era of information and “Big Data.” Examples include Palestinian factions hacking Israeli military files and using the information.
This type of warfare also aids in soft warfare tactics, propaganda, and impacting the morale of opposing parties. Cyber attack methods include espionage, sabotage through viruses, denial-of-service attacks on websites, power outages, ransom attacks, and comprehensive electronic assaults causing chaos in a country.
The effects of cyber attacks on countries include offering cost-effective options for undermining and strengthening positions. Over time, these attacks can cripple entire economies, alter political perspectives, and fuel conflicts. Additionally, they reduce military efficiency and narrow gaps in military capabilities and deterrence balance.