RUSSIA'S APPROACH TO CYBERSPACE

Abstract

In recent years there have been important changes in the approach to conflict, leading to a paradigm shift in the future warfare. Cyberspace has become a serious challenge for all states. Being easy to connect and cheap to operate, it has become a preferred battlespace for many actors. It is used to disrupt networks, destroy and steal data, block or slow down critical infrastructure or spread false information. The development and innovation of military technologies and the professionalization of soldiers are not enough to fight in information warfare. Revising and improving old doctrines, and strategies is a clear form of supporting new techniques, tactics, and procedures of the Russian fight in cyberspace. The improvement of conventional tactics of warfare in conjunction with the introduction of new unconventional tactics of warfare has predictably led to the strengthening of internal, regional, and global security and resilience. The new vision of Russian warfare is that kinetic actions are supported by non-kinetic ones. As a result, Russia's cyber activity has recently intensified amid the invasion of Ukraine, putting the whole world on alert. Malicious activity in cyberspace is creating large-scale disruption in all areas. In this context, the activation of Article 5 for attacking a Member State in cyberspace is becoming increasingly discussed.