Publications

Since most systems in developed societies depend on computer and information infrastructures, nations are increasingly vulnerable to criminal as well as hostile elements in the realms of computer and communications capabilities and the global proliferation of information systems. Indeed, the growing dependence on information technology and communications results in a situation in which damage to computers and the flow of information may lead to tangible, physical damage. It is possible to disrupt management and command and control systems through changes in computer software, rendering physical attacks unnecessary. Israel’s well developed technological capabilities in computers and communications give it a tremendous edge in all fields, especially security, and allow it to act in cyberspace both to foil attacks and gain advantages on the modern battlefield. At the same time, the growing dependence on computers is also a potential Achilles' heel requiring solutions. This volume, prepared in advance of the Institute for National Security Studies 2013 conference on cyberspace, compiles eight essays published previously in Military and Strategic Affairs. Written primarily by INSS researchers, the essays present some of the research produced in the framework of the INSS Cyber Warfare Program, which is supported by the Philadelphia-based Joseph and Jeanette Neubauer Foundation. This research program deals with a range of aspects, such as a framework for basic concepts in cyber warfare and an analysis of cyber warfare capabilities as part of specifically designated research on countries of special interest to Israel and the world at large, e.g., China and Iran. Other topics in the research program include the influence of cybercrime on national security, the proliferation of cyber weapons, the failure of existing cyber defense methods and investigation of new directions for comprehensive cyber defense, and a proposal to promote cyber defense regulation in the civilian sector. This past year INSS launched a Cyber Policy and Strategy Forum to address the current gap in the discourse between two expanses – the active technological world, which has witnessed exponential growth in the knowledge reservoir both in Israel and abroad, and the world of strategy and policy formulation. This forum allows for direct discourse between technology companies and strategists and policymakers, thereby generating new insights to enhance cyber defense in Israel and to promote the relevant research both in Israel and around the world.

Gabi Siboni Head of the Cyber Warfare Program at INSS, June 2013
Protecting Critical Assets and Infrastructures from Cyber Attacks

Cyberspace and Terrorist Organizations 

Critical Infrastructure Protection against Cyber Threats 

What Lies behind Chinese Cyber Warfare 

Cybercrime: A National Security Issue?

The Proliferation of Weapons in Cyberspace 

The Classic Cyber Defense Methods Have Failed – What Comes Next?