Information

The Theory of Transitional Target Defence: A New Approach to Enhancing Cyber Deception

Abstract:

There have been many different approaches to implementing deceptive devices, but it is the contention of this paper that fundamentally every incarnation suffers from the same issue: it remains a deceptive device. As the use of deceptive devices has increased, attackers have become more aware of the threat they pose and have become more adept at detecting deceptive devices. This paper presents a new approach to enhancing cyber deception called Transitional Target Defence (TTD). TTD does not present a deceptive device for an attacker to reconnoitre but rather allows interaction with targets until the exploitation phase. Once the hostile traffic is detected, the attacker is redirected to a deceptive device. The authors discuss the utility of this technique in this paper and the increased complexity of the psychological theatre that comes with it.

“Information operations do not worry me” – The Role of Credible Information on Digital Platforms

Abstract:

The results of the qualitative, multidisciplinary, and explorative research show that young people use various digital platforms to shape their understanding of facts and fiction. This research asks: 1) To what degree do young people between 16-29 years old use digital platforms as sources of information or news? and 2) To what degree are young people between 16-29 years old aware of disinformation campaigns on social media platforms? Out of all the n=362 young, anonymous, and volunteer research participants, everyone used various digital platforms as a source for credible information and news. Fake news or information operations did not concern young people directly, and they did not perceive themselves as targets of information operations. However, the power of AI,

Published In

Volume 22, Issue 4

Written By

Niina Meriläinen

Keywords

Information Operations

Influencers

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Information Warfare: Leveraging the DMMI Matrix Cube for Risk Assessment

Abstract:

This paper presents the DMMI Matrix Cube and demonstrates its use in assessing risk in the context of information warfare. By delineating and ordinating the concepts of disinformation, misinformation, malinformation, and information, its purpose is to gauge a communication’s intention to cause harm, and its likelihood of success; these, together, define the severity of weaponised information, such as those employed within sophisticated information operations. The chance or probability of the (information) risk is determined by the intention to harm, the apparent veracity of the information, and the probability of its occurrence. As an exemplar, COVID-19 anti-vaccine campaigns are mapped to the DMMI Matrix Cube, and recommendations are offered based on stakeholder needs, interests, and objectives.

Published In

Volume 21, Issue 3

Written By

Hadley Newman

Keywords

Information Operations

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Some Basic Principles of Information Warfare: A Reappraisal for 2021

Abstract:

Whilst the objectives of Information War have not changed much from 2001 and centuries before that, the practice of Information Warfare has. War tends to have the same objectives over time whilst the ways it is pursued—Warfare—has changed significantly. This paper is an update of the theoretical background to Information Warfare from the perspective of the definitions of its basic elements: data, knowledge and information, systems and network theory, power and the developing ubiquity of digital communications between individuals, groups, digital sensors, and Artificially Intelligence (AI) driven robots. It finishes on some of the potential political and social issues that might be encountered in future practices of Information Warfare.

Published In

Volume 20, Issue 4

Written By

William (Bill) Hutchinson

Keywords

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Modelling Information Warfare: Visualising Definitions, Fundamental Characteristics, and Foundational Theories of Contemporary Information Warfare

Abstract:

Increasingly, the term ‘Information Warfare’ (IW) encompasses the full gamut of techniques whereby information is employed to gain a competitive advantage in conflict or strategic competition. Research reveals commonalities in the underlying rationale, strategies, and means of historical and contemporary IW despite the evolution of the scale and scope of it.

Published In

Volume 20, Issue 3

Written By

Pat Blannin

Keywords

Information

Information Warfare

Information Operations

Modelling Complex Problems

Whole-of-Government Approach

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Information Superiority & Support: Misplaced & Misunderstood

ABSTRACT

The Australian Defence Force has recently released "an important benchmark in [their] approach to harnessing the power and opportunity presented by the information age" (DoD, 2004, p i) and is seeking “active participation in the implementation and further refinement of the concept” " (DoD, 2004, p i). Entitled "A Concept for Enabling Information Superiority & Support" (herein referred to as the IS&S Concept Paper), the document sets out to describe in detail how the Australian Defence Force will achieve the information related objectives of Network Centric Warfare (DoD, 2004) that will in-turn facilitate the conduct of Multi-Dimensional Manoeuvre - The Australian Defence Force's Future Warfighting Concept.

Published In

Volume 4, Issue 1

Written By

Cameron Wells

Keywords

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The ‘Flexibility’ of Official Information During Contemporary Conflicts

ABSTRACT

This paper examines perception management as practiced by governments and the militaries of Western nations since 1980. It examines this topic using the framework of a simple model of information. Basically, it defines information as that product formed when data meets cognition. Contemporary conflicts and their associated information campaigns are examined. It postulates about the impact these practices will have on the democratic process in these nations.