Information Warfare an Information Management Perspective JS Vorster & R P van Heerden Research Funding: DST, CSIR DPSS
© CSIR Scope Information management – You can only manage what you have control over. IM as tool for JIW. What do we cant to achieve – Joint IW, info integration Problem statement Form the definitions Analytic process – ontological analysis Conclusion – IW structure for Joint IW.
© CSIR Problem statement What is the core of IW based on the underlying information model This leads to a type of definition for IW that will enable better information integration and joint IW capability development.
© CSIR IW – Some definitions Information warfare is actions taken to achieve information superiority in support of national military strategy by affecting adversary information and information systems while leveraging and protecting our information and information systems. Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) How about PsyOps? National mil strat vs info systems? Level disparity?
© CSIR Information warfare is the use and management of information in pursuit of a competitive advantage over an opponent. Information warfare may involve collection of tactical information, assurance that one’s own information is valid, spreading of propaganda or disinformation to demoralize the enemy and the public, undermining the quality of opposing force information and denial of information collection opportunities to opposing forces. Wikipedia All info, then sudden propaganda stuff…
© CSIR Libicki Command and Control Warfare – targeting the command systems and their communications links; Intelligence Based Warfare – the use of precision munitions enabled by sensor technology and communications that are linked for near-real time targeting information; Psychological warfare – changing the “hearts and minds” of by using media campaigns (television, radio, leaflets, and other methods); Network Warfare – exploitation of computer networks (often called hacker warfare, computer network operations, etc.); Economic Information Warfare – the use of computer technology to disrupt the electronic flow of economic transactions; and Cyberwarfare – closely related to Hacker warfare but more focused on future IW technology. Electronic Warfare - ?
© CSIR Scoping Problems What is defined as Information? This leads to the universality problem (the commander, her computer, network, infrastructure, financial institution, economic system, ideological views, … what is actually outside IW?) Synaptic Network – Bandwidth controlled by dopamine, network speed controlled by myelin sheath … also within the IW framework PsyOps – What is the Information involved? Talk of Jointness – main aim of current thinking and analysis
© CSIR Medusa.. In or Out? MEDUSA (Mob Excess Deterrent Using Silent Audio) NewScientist (2008/07) - Microwave ray gun controls crowds with noise exploits the microwave audio effect, in which short microwave pulses rapidly heat tissue, causing a shockwave inside the skull that can be detected by the ears. A series of pulses can be transmitted to produce recognisable sounds.
© CSIR Problem statement What is the core of IW based on the underlying information model This leads to a type of definition for IW that will enable better information integration and joint IW capability development.
© CSIR Analytic Process
© CSIR What is an Ontology? Individuals: instances, objects Classes: Sets, collections, concepts, types of objects Attributes: properties, features, object parameterisation Relations: objects and class relationships Function terms: complex structures form from relationships Restrictions: limitations on validity of objective world Rules: statements in antecedent-consequent form Axioms: assertions – overall theory Events: changes in relationships or attributes
© CSIR Analytic Process Ontological Analysis Concept Clustering Interface classes Definitions of IW (conclusions)
© CSIR Conclusions …
© CSIR Conclusions
© CSIR Network Warfare – focusing on methods for attacking the computer system of an adversary using hacking capabilities; and defending such computer systems against similar attack.
© CSIR Command and Control Warfare – focus on the attack of adversary command systems (including database and logistic systems, critical info infrastructure) via the use of network warfare, electromagnetic warfare or physical attack (airborne, missile, special forces) and the protection of own command systems. It also includes the improvements in decision cycles within the C2W framework.
© CSIR Electromagnetic Warfare – focus on methods for attacking the electromagnetic communications mechanisms used for information transfer by using traditionally electronic warfare techniques; and the prevention of such attacks against own electromagnetic communications. Not the entire EW
© CSIR Intelligence Based Warfare – platform and systems optimization through improvements in sensor integration, and sensor-to-shooter loops. Closed system optimization Multi-sensor information integration Decision support – Doctrine development Attack of closed systems – disruption, affecting, etc.
© CSIR Psychological operations – this focus on improving the relationship with neutrals, informing the enemy of facts about the current situation and supporting the longer term strategic campaign objectives.
© CSIR Jointness – Joint information management Only joint if information is somehow overlapping Only directly possible with these three areas Others may still use info, etc but no jointness.
© CSIR End