An analysis of North Korean cyber warfare capabilities and impact on USFK and USINDOPACOM

Abstract

ABSTRACTCyberspace is among the four global commons of the human race including, high seas, outer-space and Antarctica. The weaponization of the cyber domain is relatively a new phenomenon in war and warfare. Due to the pivotal need of connectivity and reliance on computers, computer components and internet to transmit, disseminate and communicate data – the cyberspace is used by almost every military force. This dependence on computers and internet has resulted in the vulnerability of certain weapon systems, fire control mechanisms and command and control platforms to cyber-attacks in the form of hacking, malware, spyware and disruptive and destructive viruses. North Korea is among those countries in the world that possesses a considerable capability to launch, disrupt, paralyze and render temporary or permanent loss of such platforms which assist in command and control of military forces. This article is a concentrated effort to analyse the cyber and electronic warfare strategy of North Korea and their possible use against United States Forces Korea (USFK) and United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).