How Modern Conflicts Can Effect Cyberspace

As most of us are aware, there is an ongoing conflict taking place in the Middle East. Stories have been flooding news stations, articles are updated by the minute and the entire world is watching to see just how far this conflict will go. Stories have poured in describing operations being carried out, the devastating effects on buildings, homes etc. Even social media websites like youtube have been immersed with videos from people giving various opinions regarding the war, how it will play out and who will win. But most have not considered just how much a modern conflict can bleed into and severely impact cyberspace or how cyberspace is arguably just as important as (if not more than) the physical battlefield.

Stryker Corporation, one of largest medical technology companies in the world, was recently hit with a cyberattack where important information was remotely wiped from devices. While most may see this headline and (rightfully) think about the role the US plays in this conflict, technology professionals like myself see a much worse trend brewing. That trend being governments and government-backed entities using cyberattacks to target and compromise opposing countries’ critical infrastructure. Doing so can cause catastrophic damage the same way regular warfare does because essential services like gas, food, water and energy are heavily reliant on technology and can be wiped out in the blink of an eye. Not only that but without the proper precautions and guardrails in place, attacks can happen with ease.

Even though this is a relatively small example, we must think of the overall big picture. As technology advances and the modern battlefield evolves, companies (especially those who provide essential services) have to be increasingly aware of the likelihood they can be caught in the crosshairs of cyber warfare. Generally speaking, the majority of businesses lack the correct security controls to safeguard their data. It’s equally as scary that the corporations responsible for keeping clean water running or making sure people can heat their homes in the winter have equally severe security flaws. All it takes is for one to get hacked and now people are unable to pull money out of their bank account, gasoline becomes scarce, not enough food is able to go around or even hospitals can’t properly process/care for patients. And yes, this is a very real threat.