Cyber Proxy

Cyber Mobilisation 2.0: Capitalisation and Instigation of Hacktivists and Vigilantes in Future Conflicts

Abstract:

Participation in contemporary cyber warfare can be as simple as playing a game or just allowing your computer to perform Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. In the future, hacktivists and vigilantes could potentially act as an outsourced cyber force that is dispersed around the world in a constant state of readiness. In this article the authors discuss how nation states might capitalise and instigate hacktivists and vigilantes in future conflicts. Firstly, the authors revisit the concepts of ‘hacktivism’, ‘vigilantism’, and ‘cyber proxy’, and aim to define the novel concept of ‘cyber mobilisation’. Secondly, the role of hacktivists and vigilantes in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war is explained and the cyber mobilisation practices of both countries are described. Thirdly, the authors discuss how hacktivists and vigilantes justify their behaviour to themselves. Fourthly, the authors explore the elements and techniques of potential future cyber mobilisation. And finally, the risks and challenges related to worldwide cyber mobilisation and the individual participation in global cyber warfare are discussed.

Published In

Volume 24, Issue 1

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.

Keywords

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AI
APT

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C2S
CDX
CIA
CIP
CPS

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DoD
DoS

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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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