A survey on global cyber-warfare and Nigerian’s cyber defensive strategy: A way forward

Abstract

With two years having passed since the infamous cyber conflict between Estonia and Russia, on 08 May 2009 international society still lacks a coherent set of principles, rules, and norms governing state security and military operations in cyberspace. For parties committed to promoting the cause of peace and stability in a multipolar world, this is a troubling notion since history shows that the likelihood of a new arms race is high when disruptive technologies dramatically alter the means and methods of war. As more nations aspire to project national power in cyberspace, a new digital arms race appears to be imminent if not already upon us. Thus, there is a central question confronting international society and Nigeria in cyberspace: What steps can be taken both today and into the future to forestall a major arms race and interstate competition in cyberspace? In order to begin addressing this complex question from the perspective of the Euro-Atlantic Community, this paper discusses both the challenges and opportunities of regulating 21st century cyber warfare. The paper is divided into sections, which examine the evolution of the laws of armed conflict (LOAC) since the late 19th century, how the LOAC apply to cyber warfare as viewed primarily from a US perspective (since US scholars have dominated the international regime discourse thus far), and the historical facts on cyber warfare. The Nigerian roles in cyber defense strategy and what is needed to be done to meet up with a global regime for cyber warfare in respect of cyber defense are also highlighted. Global cyber strategies, threats/attacks, and types of cyber weapons d