War Games

Understanding the Threats of and Defenses Against Cyber Warfare

60 minutes video clip

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/f-35-joint-strike-fighter-60-minutes/

Definitions

Cyber warfare: Various aspects of defensing & attacking

information & computer networks in cyberspace, as well as denying an adversary’s ability to do the same

Cyber terrorism: Terrorists disrupt the Internet or critical

infrastructures such as transportation, communications, or banking & finance using computer networks

At West Point, Training for Cyber Foes

http://www.nytimes.com/video/technology/1194840004076/at-west-point-training-for-cyber-foes.html

OR – Cyber Defense Military Training for Cyber Warfare (26 min)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnnvVnsDCGw

War Games

You will be divided into 2 groups. The red team should assume the role of the

“attackers,” who will come up with a list of types of cyber attacks to be tried against the U.S. and/or other nations

The green team is the “defense team,” a think tank charged with brainstorming approaches & ideas for defending & protecting the nation against cyber warfare.

*Think strategically

Discuss

To what extent do the lists “match”? Was the green team able to anticipate

all of the attacks that the red team generated?

Did the red team miss any opportunities?

In what ways was this exercise difficult?

Reading Questions

1. What do the cyber war games at West Point and other military training facilities tell us about the threat of cyber attacks? What danger do they pose? 2. What are the roles and responsibilities of the technology-trained cadets in the military? 3. What examples does the article provide of how cadets use their training in the field to prevent cyber attacks? 4. What does this article teach you about how cyber attacks occur and how they can be prevented? 5. In your opinion, is the U.S. well-prepared to ward off or fight cyber attacks? How can it become stronger in this area?