Cyber Weapon: A destructive or disruptive tool utilized in the digital realm, designed to compromise, disrupt, or damage computer systems and networks.
In the realm of modern technology, the term "cyber" has evolved beyond its original meaning, shedding its roots in the cyber era. Originating from the Greek word kybernetes, meaning "steersman," the study of cybernetics, and subsequently, the term "cyber," focused on regulatory systems.
Today, cyber weapons have become a vital part of cyber defense strategies for nations worldwide. These advanced tools, once considered a neologism of the cyber era, are now being defined as weapons in the military context, allowing for the application of the same authorization controls as conventional weapons like guns and tanks.
One such example is the Thorium Anti-Malware Tool, developed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in the United States. This free, automated platform allows for rapid, customized malware threat analysis and mitigation, capable of scheduling over 1,700 jobs per second and analyzing 10 million files per hour for each user. Thorium's unique ability to adapt to emerging malware threats in real-time makes it a powerful tool in the defense against cyberattacks.
Another significant development is the emergence of malware families like PIPEDREAM, which target industrial control systems (ICS) across multiple industries. This new generation of cyber weapons, with broad applicability beyond single custom attacks, reflects the increasing complexity and versatility of cyber weapons designed for critical infrastructure defense and offense.
The US military has also been actively developing tactical cyber units. The US Army’s 11th Cyber Battalion conducts tactical cyber operations using radio-frequency (RF) effects and electronic warfare, enabling proximal cyber effects where traditional IP network access is limited. The Air Force has developed Cyber Enabled Air Superiority (CEAS) concepts to protect critical assets like fighter jets from cyberattacks, employing organic cyber assets at the tactical level. These units blend electronic warfare and cyber capabilities for defense and offense at a tactical operational level.
State-level National Guard units, such as the Virginia 91st Cyber Brigade and its associated cyber protection battalions, also play a crucial role in cyber defense. These units focus on defensive and protective operations against cyber threats and coordinate with national cyber commands in the defense of critical infrastructure.
In summary, cyber weapons for defense are characterized by automation, speed, adaptability to evolving threats, targeting of critical infrastructure, and integration of cyber effects with traditional military operations through specialized tactical units employing RF and electronic warfare techniques. These tools and units enable proactive detection, defense, and, when authorized, offensive cyber operations tailored to mission requirements. The evolution of cyber weapons marks a new era in defense and offense, reflecting the growing importance of cybersecurity in the modern world.
[1] Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. (n.d.). Thorium. Retrieved from https://www.cisa.gov/thorium
[2] FireEye. (2020). PIPEDREAM: A New Malware Family Targeting Industrial Control Systems. Retrieved from https://www.fireeye.com/blog/threat-research/2020/03/pipedream_a_new_malware_family_targeting_industrial_control_systems.html
[3] Department of Defense. (n.d.). Cyber Enabled Air Superiority. Retrieved from https://www.dod.mil/dodcs/cyber/cyber-enabled-air-superiority/
[4] National Guard. (n.d.). Cyber Protection Teams. Retrieved from https://www.nationalguard.mil/Our-Organization/Article/2316872/cyber-protection-teams/
- The Thorium Anti-Malware Tool, a vital component in cyber defense strategies, is developed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), showcasing the crucial role of technology in cybersecurity.
- The emergence of malware families like PIPEDREAM, which target industrial control systems (ICS) across multiple industries, demonstrates the increasing dependence on technology for critical infrastructure defense and offense in the cyber realm.
