The Use of Cyberwarfare in Influence Operations
This article defines the use of cyber tools for impacting the sphere of perception and influence as ‘cyber perception warfare.’ Both state and non-state actors use cyberspace in general - and social media in particular - as a tool to effect social and political change, and to shape consciousness. In the digital age, military or political organizations striving to meet targets and goals must develop ‘soft’ cyber capabilities to maintain flexibility and adapt quickly, altering messages for narrow or broad audiences. On the one hand, countries do not assign clear boundaries or set constraints on cyberspace activity or social media platforms; yet on the other hand, there is a need to meet operational goals in the domain of influence operations. It is imperative to conduct campaigns that combines proactive cyberwarfare with influence operations.