Cyber-Recon

The latest Military Review has a great article by Lt. Col Timothy L. Thomas on China's "electronic long-range reconnaissance." I'm less interested in the technical aspects of Chinese hacking then the strategic aspects--what does China hope to gain from utilizing "patriotic hackers" against American and European government and private computer systems? Thomas' theory, which he supports by ample study of recent Chinese military literature, is that China is utilizing hacker auxiliaries to test American defenses, gather cyber-intelligence, and set the parameters of the battle before cyberwar is joined.

Thus, the usage of hackers is not offensive in nature, it is a device for China to develop practical expertise, case studies, and employable data on the performance of their forces in cyberwar. It also gives them information on the resilience of American cyber defenses that can be used later should the need arise. Which begs the question, as Thomas notes, why is so much of Chinese strategic literature available open-source, especially in a nation that largely conceals its current military doctrine? A ruse to mislead foreign observers? A signal to a public that is often agitated about the misdeeds of foreigners? A signal to Americans about their intentions? I'll leave a China area expert to answer these questions.

A side note: Military Review has a great new online layout. So now you have no excuse for missing a single issue.

Comments

[YT]

"Startle the snake by hitting the grass around it."

Am no China expert though. Floor's open.

[A.E.]

That's a good start.