Russia Uses Cyber-Attacks as a Strategic Weapon Against Global Industries

[johny899]

Have you ever thought about wars that do not involve guns or bombs? This is what happens during a cyber-attack. Russia has recently been at the forefront of several headlines when it comes to cyber-attacks as a weapon, targeting key industries in countries worldwide. One nation is using cyber-attacks as weapons against key industries in a country. At first, when I read about it, I thought "This sounds like a movie," but the reality is frightening.

What Does a Cyber-Attack Do​

Cyber-attacks do not destroy buildings, but they can disrupt. Hackers go after power plants, banks, airports and hospitals. One attack can stop a service, cost millions and disrupt an economy, or even worse, kill someone. How scary is that?

Methods Used by Russia's Attacks​

Reports have noted that Russia has the ability, besides spying, to use cyber tools to attack their enemies with intent. Following are some examples of everything you should prepare for:

• Energy infrastructure: Attack on pipelines, or electrical grids

• Banks: Attack financially on food systems for confusion, panic, etc.

• Hospitals and airports: Disrupt their critical services that millions rely on

• Fake news: Actively distributing disinformation through cyberspace to confuse and create division in the population.

Think about how quickly misinformation spreads through social media, and you can think about how chaotic things become by adding a cyber attack.

Reason Cyber Attacks Work​

Russia uses cyber attacks because they are low-cost, and yet relatively powerful. The country does not need any soldiers, let alone tanks, just skilled hackers. It is very similar to chess: you are not physically fighting, you are reasoned moves to kill your opponent slowly.

Ways for Countries to Protect Themselves​

Countries will need to continue to embrace technology and work together:

• Protect critical infrastructures.
• Use monitoring to identify threats.
• Inform their citizens to reduce misinformation.
• As much as possible, share information with other countries.

Summary​

These days, cyber-attacks are becoming the tip-of-the-spear for modern warfare. Russia has shown that it can change economies and politics without firing a single bullet.