INFORMATION  WARFARE

The term Information Warfare (IW) is primarily an American concept involving the use and management of information technology in pursuit of a competitive advantage over an opponent.

Information warfare may involve

1.      Collection of tactical information,

2.      Assurance(s) that one's own information is valid,

3.      Spreading of propaganda or

4.      Disinformation to demoralize or manipulate the enemy and the public,

5.      Undermining the quality of opposing force information and

6.      Denial of information-collection opportunities to opposing forces.

Information warfare is closely linked to psychological warfare.

Overview

Information warfare can take many forms:

• Television and radio transmission(s) can be jammed.
• Television and radio transmission(s) can be hijacked for a disinformation campaign.
• Logistics networks can be disabled.
• Enemy communications networks can be disabled or spoofed.
• Stock exchange transactions can be sabotaged, either with electronic intervention, by leaking sensitive information or by placing disinformation.

The first application of these techniques was used against Iraqi communications networks in the first Gulf War.