Are We In A Global Conflict Right Now? A Valid Question!

Are we in a real war and have simply never admitted it?

Almost all aspects of our current cybercrime wave can also be considered organized acts or war or terrorism, not just simply crimes.

Is there a benefit to formally declaring war on cybercriminals?

Let's explore this.

What really is the definition of war?

War can be defined as a state of armed conflict between nations, governments, or other organized groups. It typically involves the use of violence and military force to achieve specific political, territorial, or ideological goals. War often arises from conflicts of interest, disputes over resources, ideological differences, or attempts to establish dominance or control.

In a broader sense, war encompasses a range of military operations, strategies, and tactics employed to defeat an adversary. It may involve large-scale engagements between armed forces, such as battles and sieges, as well as more covert activities like espionage and sabotage. War can have profound and far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the combatants but also civilians, societies, economies, and global dynamics.

It is important to note that the definition of war may vary based on context, international laws, and evolving understandings of armed conflicts. Various forms of warfare, such as conventional warfare, guerrilla warfare, cyber warfare, and asymmetrical warfare, have emerged over time, reflecting the changing nature of conflicts in the modern world.

Do cybercriminals use weapons?

In the traditional sense, cybercriminals do not use physical weapons like firearms or explosives. Cybercrime primarily involves illegal activities conducted in the digital realm, targeting computer systems, networks, and individuals to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive information, commit fraud, or cause disruption.

However, it is worth noting that cybercriminals can use various tools and techniques that can be seen as "weapons" in a practical sense. These "weapons" are typically software-based tools or malicious code designed to exploit vulnerabilities, compromise systems, or gain unauthorized control. Examples of such "weapons" used by cybercriminals include:

1. Malware: This term encompasses various types of malicious software, such as viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware. Malware is often deployed to infiltrate systems, steal information, or cause damage.
2. Exploit kits: These are pre-packaged tools that contain a collection of known vulnerabilities and corresponding code. Cybercriminals use exploit kits to launch attacks on systems that have not been patched or secured against these vulnerabilities.
3. Botnets: Botnets are networks of compromised computers or devices, often controlled by a single entity. Cybercriminals can use botnets to carry out large-scale attacks, such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, which overwhelm a target system with traffic.
4. Phishing kits: Phishing kits are sets of tools and templates that enable cybercriminals to create convincing fraudulent websites or emails to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details.
5. Remote Access Trojans (RATs): These are malicious programs that allow cybercriminals to gain unauthorized control over a victim's computer remotely. RATs can be used for various purposes, including unauthorized surveillance, data theft, or launching further attacks.

While these tools and techniques are not physical weapons, they can inflict significant harm, compromise security, and cause financial and personal damage. Cybercriminals leverage these "weapons" to exploit vulnerabilities in digital systems and carry out their illicit activities.

Are cybercriminals attacking government infrastructure to damage a nation's defensive abilities and economic viability?

Yes, cybercriminals and even state-sponsored actors have been known to target government infrastructure with the intent to undermine a nation's defensive capabilities and economic viability. These attacks can have significant consequences for national security, public safety, and economic stability. Here are some ways cybercriminals target government infrastructure:

1. Disruption of critical services: Cybercriminals may target government networks and systems responsible for essential services, such as power grids, transportation, healthcare, and communication infrastructure. By disrupting or disabling these critical services, they can cause widespread chaos, disrupt the functioning of government agencies, and undermine the trust and confidence of citizens.
2. Theft of sensitive information: Cybercriminals often seek to gain unauthorized access to government systems to steal sensitive information, including classified data, intellectual property, and personal records of citizens. This stolen information can be used for various purposes, such as espionage, financial gain, or extortion.
3. Sabotage and manipulation: Cybercriminals can tamper with government systems and data, altering or deleting crucial information. This can lead to the manipulation of public records, tampering with election systems, or undermining the integrity of government processes. Such actions can erode trust in institutions, destabilize governance, and disrupt the decision-making capabilities of governments.
4. Financial fraud and theft: Cybercriminals may target government financial systems and payment networks to carry out fraud or theft. This can involve compromising government bank accounts, manipulating financial transactions, or conducting ransomware attacks to extort funds. The financial losses incurred can have a direct impact on a nation's economic stability and resources available for defense and development.
5. Espionage and cyber espionage: State-sponsored cybercriminals may target government infrastructure to gather intelligence and gain insights into a nation's defense capabilities, diplomatic activities, or classified projects. This stolen information can be used for strategic advantage, compromising national security and defense strategies.

These attacks against government infrastructure aim to weaken a nation's defensive capabilities, erode trust in government institutions, and create economic instability. Governments around the world are increasingly recognizing the need to strengthen cybersecurity measures, invest in robust defense systems, enhance information sharing and cooperation, and develop resilient infrastructure to protect against such cyber threats.

The act of stealing as much, or more, than USD$6 Trillion dollars per year is an existential threat to the world!

During War the aggressors often attack innocent civilians, correct?

Yes, unfortunately, it is a tragic reality that in many armed conflicts, innocent civilians often become targets and victims of attacks. While military forces typically engage in conflicts with each other, the impact of war can extend beyond combatants and affect civilian populations in various ways. This can occur due to deliberate targeting by aggressors or as a result of collateral damage caused by military operations.

Intentional attacks on civilians are considered war crimes under international humanitarian law. However, despite these legal protections, civilians have historically been targeted in wars for various reasons, including:

1. Strategic reasons: Aggressors may target civilian populations to weaken the morale, infrastructure, and economic stability of the opposing side. This can involve attacking residential areas, vital infrastructure, and public services.
2. Psychological impact: Attacking civilians can create fear, panic, and disruption within society, thereby undermining the support for the opposing side and exerting psychological pressure on both the population and the enemy combatants.
3. Retaliation and reprisals: In the chaos of war, some aggressors may seek revenge or retaliate against civilian populations associated with the opposing side. This can lead to mass killings, forced displacement, sexual violence, and other forms of atrocities.
4. Control and domination: Targeting civilians may be aimed at exerting control over a region or population, forcing compliance, or asserting dominance. This can involve enforcing strict rules, imposing curfews, or conducting acts of violence to suppress resistance.

It's important to recognize that the deliberate targeting of civilians is a violation of international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, which provide protections for civilians and outline rules for the conduct of armed conflicts. However, adherence to these laws can vary, and unfortunately, civilians continue to bear the brunt of violence and suffering in many conflicts around the world. Efforts are made by international organizations and humanitarian agencies to protect civilians during armed conflicts and hold accountable those responsible for violating these laws.

Given the definition of war that includes cyber-war, and the fact that cybercriminals both use weapons and attack government, corporations, and civilians, is it fair to say that the ongoing global transnational organized criminal campaigns orchestrated through technology represent a real war?

The ongoing global transnational organized criminal campaigns orchestrated through technology can indeed be seen as a significant and concerning challenge that parallels certain aspects of warfare. While the term "war" is traditionally associated with conflicts between nations or governments, the evolving landscape of cybercrime and transnational organized crime has blurred the lines between traditional warfare and criminal activities.

Here are a few factors to consider when assessing whether these campaigns can be considered a form of "war":

1. Scope and impact: The scale and impact of cybercriminal activities, including large-scale hacking campaigns, data breaches, ransomware attacks, and financial fraud, can have widespread consequences on individuals, organizations, and even nations. These campaigns can disrupt critical infrastructures, compromise national security, and cause significant economic and social harm.
2. Global nature: Transnational organized criminal campaigns often transcend borders, utilizing technology and the interconnectedness of the digital world to carry out their activities. These campaigns are not limited by geographic boundaries and can target individuals and organizations worldwide, creating a global impact.
3. Tactics and strategies: Cybercriminals employ sophisticated techniques, tools, and strategies that mirror some aspects of traditional warfare. They exploit vulnerabilities, launch coordinated attacks, and use malware and other malicious tools to achieve their objectives. Furthermore, cybercriminal networks often exhibit hierarchical structures and engage in strategic planning and coordination, resembling military operations.
4. Impact on civilians: Just as in traditional warfare, innocent civilians can become unintended victims of cybercriminal campaigns. These campaigns can result in financial losses, privacy violations, identity theft, and other forms of harm that can significantly impact the lives of individuals and communities.

However, it's important to note that the term "war" carries specific legal and political implications and is primarily associated with conflicts between recognized states or non-state actors engaged in armed conflict. The activities of transnational organized crime and cybercriminals, are serious and damaging, may fit within the legal framework of war, or at a minimum terrorism.

Nonetheless, it is crucial to address the growing threat of cybercrime and transnational organized criminal campaigns by enhancing international cooperation, strengthening cybersecurity measures, and implementing effective legal frameworks to combat these challenges.

Is there a practical benefit to declaring a War on Cybercrime?

Declaring a "War on Cybercrime" can have practical benefits in addressing the growing threat of cybercriminal activities. While the declaration itself may not be a standalone solution, it can serve as a symbol of the seriousness with which governments and international bodies approach the issue. Here are some potential practical benefits:

1. Increased resources and focus: Declaring a "War on Cybercrime" can lead to the allocation of additional resources, both financial and human, to combat cybercriminal activities. This can involve bolstering law enforcement capabilities, investing in cybersecurity infrastructure, and fostering collaboration between government agencies, private sector entities, and international partners.
2. Heightened awareness and public engagement: The declaration can raise public awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and the risks posed by cybercriminal activities. It can encourage individuals, organizations, and governments to prioritize cybersecurity measures, adopt best practices, and report cyber incidents promptly. Engaging the public in this fight can enhance collective resilience against cyber threats.
3. International cooperation: A declared "War on Cybercrime" can spur international cooperation and collaboration among nations. Cybercrime knows no borders, and effective responses often require global coordination. Strengthening partnerships, sharing intelligence, and harmonizing legal frameworks can improve the collective ability to combat cybercriminal networks that operate across jurisdictions.
4. Policy and legal frameworks: The declaration can lead to the development and implementation of robust policies and legal frameworks to address cybercrime more effectively. This can include enacting legislation that goes beyond criminalizing cyber offenses, facilitates international cooperation in investigations, and provides clear guidelines for law enforcement and judicial authorities to tackle cybercriminal war-making activities.
5. Deterrence and prevention: The declaration of a "War on Cybercrime" can send a strong message to potential offenders that governments are committed to combating cyber threats. This can act as a deterrent and dissuade individuals and groups from engaging in cybercriminal activities. By focusing on prevention, proactive measures can be taken to enhance cybersecurity, strengthen defenses, and identify and patch vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

It's important to note that declaring a "War on Cybercrime" should be accompanied by concrete actions and sustained efforts. These include investment in cyber warfighting capability, international collaboration, public-private partnerships, and continuous adaptation to evolving cyber threats.

Then perhaps we should declare this WAR and get started on winning it!