“Keystroke is mightier than the sword”
THEME
The present age is witnessing the evolution and growth of a new form of warfare, consistent with the developments in the global geo-strategic environment, called ‘asymmetric’. Asymmetric warfare has been described as – strategy, tactics and tools a weaker adversary uses to offset a stronger adversary by attacking his vulnerabilities, using indirect approaches against his vital functions or locations, and seeking advantages for gain. Adversaries who enter asymmetric warfare have a variety of tools to employ, ranging from cyber attacks to traditional terrorism or use of weapons of mass effect (WME).
Cyber warfare is increasingly becoming an important part of the concept of asymmetric warfare and attacks on national/international computer systems. It is fast gaining popularity as a means of damaging an enemy’s financial and social structures. Terrorists have discovered that the path to the fear and chaos that they crave most may be more easily achieved by a wide scale attack on infrastructure/economic targets, thus causing a general breakdown in society. Discuss the cyber aspect of asymmetric warfare and how to combat it. Focus on Pakistan in particular keeping in mind what protective infrastructure should be set in place for the future.
ABSTRACT OF RESEARCH ON CYBER ASPECTS OF ASYMMETRIC WARFARE
The concept of asymmetrical warfare is a popular and much discussed issue these days. In broad terms it simply means warfare that seeks to avoid an opponent’s strengths; it is an approach that tries to focus whatever may be one side’s comparative advantages against its enemy’s relative weaknesses. In a way, seeking asymmetries is fundamental to all war fighting. But in the modern context, asymmetrical warfare emphasizes what are popularly perceived as unconventional or non-traditional methodologies. This study briefly