Information Operations

This presentation gives a sector-oriented overview of what has been done so far to address information operations (IO) and where improvements could and should be made. Main threat sources were identified: malicious insiders, as well as competitive organizations, cyber terrorists, criminal groups, and foreign governments. The research analyzes the potential risks of IO, clarifies how organizations are prepared for IO, and demonstrates how IO threats are addressed. Miscellaneous IO weapons, trends, threats, and possible countermeasures will be discussed.

IO involves much more than computers and computer networks. It encompasses information in any form and transmitted over any medium. It covers operations against information content and operations against supporting systems, including hardware, software, and human practices. Numerous definitions of IO and related topics exist. When trying to define IO there is a danger of defining the concept either too narrowly or too broadly. Because they are commonly in use, definitions of the DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms will be used:

• Information Operations: Actions taken to affect adversary information and information systems while defending one’s own information and information systems.
• Information Warfare: IO conducted during time of crisis or conflict to achieve or promote specific objectives over a specific adversary or adversaries.