Cyber Intelligence: Strategic Warning Is Possible

Abstract

Governments and private security firms have studied many intelligence aspects of cyberconflict, but the public literature has not described the existence of a strategic cyber warning function or addressed the question of whether strategic warning of significant cyberattacks is possible. This article argues that it is, but technical characteristics of cyberspace and the rapidly evolving nature of cyber-related conflict make cyber warning more difficult than traditional strategic warning. Addressing these complexities requires specialized teams of experts. In the U.S. case, new warning skills and institutions are needed.