Impact of Alleged Russian Cyber Attacks

摘要

High-profile cyber attacks against Estonia and Georgia have brought the subject of cyber security from the realm of internet magazines to mainstream media outlets. These cyber attacks have increased the perceptions of animosity between the Russian Federation and the former Soviet satellites. The cyber attacks that have occurred in the last few years have shown the vulnerabilities of using the internet and the weaknesses of cyber defenses. Regional organizations, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU), and international organizations, such as the United Nations (UN), have been inadequate in preventing cyber attacks for political purposes and bringing cyber criminals to justice. There is little concrete proof that the Russian Federation government was involved in any cyber attacks, but circumstantial evidence does lead to the perception that the Russian government was behind or supported recent attacks. When countries or organizations stand in opposition to Russia, they are likely to receive a cyber attack to influence their position. The high likelihood of future cyber attacks, the ease of conducting cyber attacks, and the number of networks that can conduct these attacks make this monograph relevant for study. Government and organizational leaders need to ensure that their cyber defenses are ready to protect private information, internet services, and electrical grids that rely on internet technology to function. Former Soviet satellites, the United States, and international organizations need to increase their cooperation to defeat cyber crime. Without a legal international opposition, cyber criminals will continue to operate in areas where there are no laws or agreements concerning cyber security. Nations can build their own defenses, but cooperation and the sharing of technical data will enable a safer internet environment for everyone.