by Usman Akhtar 31 July 2023
With the rapid advancement of technology and the changing world order, the methods of deterring and attacking adversaries have also undergone significant transformation. In addition to traditional domains like land, sea, and air, cyberspace has emerged as a new arena posing threats to the stability, sovereignty, and well-being of nations. Specifically, in South Asia, India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed nations, find themselves engaged in a contentious struggle, seeking opportunities to intrude into each other’s cyberspace. This not only impacts the general populations on both sides but also has broader implications on a global scale. The ongoing efforts to defame each other are relentless, making the cyber domain as crucial as the nuclear one. To effectively address state-sponsored cyber terrorism and defamation, the development and implementation of a comprehensive policy become critically necessary. It can only be done through Cyber Confidence Building Measures (CBMs).
Cyber Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) refer to a collection of mutually consented actions and policies strategically designed to enhance transparency, communication, and collaboration among nations. Their primary objective is to proactively avert misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and potential escalations in the realm of cyberspace. By adopting these measures, countries seek to cultivate trust and assurance in their interactions while simultaneously reducing the likelihood of cyber-related incidents or conflicts. These CBMs play a crucial role in promoting stability and security in the digital domain by fostering an environment of openness and cooperation. Through shared understandings and proactive engagements, they contribute to the creation of a more reliable and harmonious international cyber landscape. By adhering to the principles of Cyber CBMs, nations can effectively address cyber threats and build a foundation of resilience and confidence in their cyber capabilities.
The threat of cyber-attacks on infrastructure and governance systems has been a longstanding concern. Historical evidence shows that numerous countries, particularly the USA and Russia, have engaged in various cyber campaigns against each other. As these nations align themselves with the West and tend to emulate their practices, they too have embraced this new form of warfare to sow chaos and instability between each other. However, in South Asia, the landscape of cyber warfare is relatively new and evolving rapidly. Countries in the region, such as India, Pakistan are increasingly recognizing the significance of cybersecurity and its potential impact on their infrastructure and governance. While there have been instances of cyber-attacks targeting government institutions, businesses, and critical infrastructure, the scale and sophistication of these attacks are still developing. Operation hangover is one the examples which show how the country like India can create impact against Pakistan. There are huge chances of more escalations, which will ultimately result into full-scale escalation.
The emergence of this new domain of warfare is rooted in Sun Tzu’s renowned maxim: “The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.” It represents an efficient and potent approach to confront adversaries and instigate instability. Unlike conventional warfare, it does not rely on large armies or extensive infrastructure but instead necessitates a clever mind and advanced technology. As technology continues to evolve, the risk to information security escalates, making it increasingly simple to execute targeted attacks with minimal resources while achieving desired objectives.
South Asia, particularly India and Pakistan, faces significant threats from cyber terrorism and cross-border activities. The longstanding and ambiguous disputes between these two nuclear-armed nations heighten the urgency for Cyber Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs). Implementing such measures becomes a crucial step towards fostering future diplomatic relations and enabling effective trade policies. Both countries have endured the consequences of terrorism and animosity, making it imperative to set aside their differences and embrace a broader perspective. By adopting Cyber CBMs, India and Pakistan can open new avenues for strengthening their economies, enhancing diplomatic ties, and advancing in technology. This approach will create opportunities for mutual growth and cooperation, offering the potential to overcome the challenges posed by the region’s current security concerns. Emphasizing Cyber CBMs represents a strategic move towards a more stable and prosperous future for South Asia.
The implementation of Cyber Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) is paramount in addressing the rising cyber threats and potential escalations faced by South Asian countries. These CBMs offer a solid foundation for bolstering resilience and confidence in cyber capabilities, crucial in safeguarding national interests and ensuring stable diplomatic relations. As the risks of cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure and governance systems continue to increase, embracing CBMs becomes not just a prudent choice but an imperative one. By emphasizing these principles, India and Pakistan can forge a path towards a secure and prosperous future for the region. Acknowledging the significance of cybersecurity and actively cooperating in cyberspace will pave the way for a harmonious international cyber landscape, fostering mutual growth, cooperation, and a sense of trust among nations. By coming together in cyberspace, these nations can create a united front against cyber threats, ultimately promoting peace and stability in the region and beyond.
About Author:
The author is student of Defence and Strategic Studies at Quaid i Azam University Islamabad. He has worked as researcher at PTV World. The area of research includes counterterrorism, cyber warfare, and confidence building measures (CBMs). He can be reached at usmankhan70611@gmail.com