The Ethics of Cyberweapons in Warfare
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Authors
Rowe, Neil C.
Subjects
cyberattack
ethics
weapons
cyberweapons
vulnerability
perfidy
collateral damage
secrecy
damage assessment
attribution
ethics
weapons
cyberweapons
vulnerability
perfidy
collateral damage
secrecy
damage assessment
attribution
Advisors
Date of Issue
2009
Date
Publisher
Language
Abstract
We discuss the ethical issues of using cyberweapons, software that attacks data and other software during warfare. Many people assume these are relatively benign weapons, but we argue they can create serious harms like any weapon. We define cyberweapons and describe them in general terms, and survey their status as per the laws of war. We then discuss the unreliability of cyberweapons, the problem of collateral damage, and the associated problems of damage assessment, maintenance of secrecy, and mounting cybercounterattacks. We examine some possibilities for creating more ethical cyberweapons and discuss the alternative of cyber-blockades. We conclude that cyberattacks should generally be outlawed by international\ agreement.
Type
Conference Paper
Description
International Journal Cyberethics, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2009
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Center for Information Security Research
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
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NPS Report Number
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Format
Citation
International Journal Cyberethics, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2009
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.