What Are the Metrics of Cyber Warfare? How Does One Measure Success?
ABSTRACT
This paper continues the process of laying the groundwork for a new comprehensive academic theory on Cyber Macht (Cyber Power). In this particular paper, the authors focus on trying to determine the metrics of cyber operations; in other words, how does one measure success? The ability to measure and validate success is always a crucial metric in the performance of a task; and in this case, the conduct of IO campaigns is no different. The researchers for this paper analyse two approaches for the development of metrics in a cyber environment:
- A top-down approach with a strong feedback mechanism, one that allows actors to learn lessons from their actions and to apply changes to the system as deemed appropriate.
- A more decentralised methodology, which embraces any and all IO standards. This bottom-up view utilises a more liberal process for collecting metrics that attempts to bring together disparate activities into a collective force.
This paper analyses the efforts of various IO initiatives by both approaches and attempts to determine the key factors of success.
AUTHORS
Peregrine Technical Solutions, LLC Yorktown, VA
Dr. Leigh Armistead is the President of Peregrine Technical Solutions, a certified 8(a) small business that specializes in cyber security, and the Chief Editor of the Journal of Information Warfare. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy (1984), earned a master’s degree in Military History from Old Dominion University (1993), and a doctorate in Computer and Information Science from Edith Cowan University (2009). His major field of study is cyber power. He has published three books—all of which focus on the full spectrum of information warfare. He founded the International Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security, and the Vice-Chair Working Group 9.10–ICT Uses in Peace and War. He is a retired Naval officer.
Avineon, Inc. McLean, VA
Dr. Raymond ‘Scott’ Starsman is Director of Defense Systems at Avineon, Inc., a minority business enterprise delivering Information Operations and Cyber-Security support to federal clients, such as the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Treasury. He received his doctorate in Electrical Engineering from Old Dominion University after graduating from the United States Naval Academy and Naval Postgraduate School.
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Journal of Information Warfare
The definitive publication for the best and latest research and analysis on information warfare, information operations, and cyber crime. Available in traditional hard copy or online.
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