cybersecurity
Topics related to the security of IT systems, whether in business, espionage, terrorism or warfare
Reports on cybersecurity See all →

Hack-backs – options and limitations of cyber deterrence

The continuing rise of sophisticated state-supported cyberattacks has been one of the most crucial security developments of the last decade. An estimated 60 countries have developed offensive hacking capabilities as part of their asymmetric or hybrid warfare strategies. The U.S. Cyber Command has adopted an offensive doctrine that envisages counterattacks (“hack-backs”). European critics, however, have questioned cyber deterrence in general and hack-backs in particular due to escalation risks.

The new computing technology may alter our civilization beyond recognition
China, the United States and other technologically advanced countries are in an epic race to develop the next generation of computing machines – with designs based on quantum physics’ principles. The state that achieves an early breakthrough in this contest could gain scientific, military, economic and geopolitical advantages of historic ...


Africa’s cybersecurity challenge
In sub-Saharan Africa, the digital revolution has propelled innovation and development on an unprecedented scale. With those benefits come dangers, especially with the advance of e-commerce and e-government, which use troves of personal data. But while criminal and terrorist groups could exploit vulnerabilities, governments could also use cybersecurity as an ...


U.S.-China 5G battle portends a divided internet
The U.S. and China are engaged in tit-for-tat threats over 5G. The stakes are high, since the technology will shape the future in unpredictable ways, and the competition will determine the technical infrastructure of modern governance. Whichever country gains the upper hand will also gain a geopolitical advantage – but ...


The U.S. and China: The rivalry escalates
The principle of “the Thucydides trap” posits that when one global power is set to supersede another, war is inevitable. While China is gradually catching up with the United States on the world stage, an all-out war is unlikely. It is more probable that the two countries will use every ...
