Defining cyber warfare capability attributes and characteristics for African Cyber Missions

Abstract

The domains of warfare have become complex, where cyberspace is declared as the fifth domain. The complexity of cyber space is that it is borderless, and war could be launched from anywhere, and is a serious concern for national security. There is also a different understanding on what cyber warfare needs to entail for nations to be able to defend and/or exploit the cyber space to sustain their territorial integrity and sovereignty. At the same time, the cyber warfare domain is dominated by developed nations, whilst African states are mostly left behind without fully appreciating the comprehensive capabilities (e.g. processes, people, and technologies) required to participate in this arena. This paper extends on the research of the authors in unpacking a comprehensive framework for developing cyber warfare capabilities for African militaries. It unpacks the framework to specific and measurable cyber warfare capability attributes and characteristics, especially for offensive objectives. This could aid African militaries to develop and mature their cyber warfare capabilities over time. This paper also suggests the implementation roadmap, considering all stakeholders and the most efficient way for establishing this strategic and national capability. The significance of the work presented in this paper is that it may aid nation states to systematically develop their cyber warfare capabilities to enable them to participate and/or be ready for participation in the fifth domain of warfare.