Sunday, April 26, 2009

South Africa: Research Council is enhancing the national capacity to counter infowar

[ITweb] The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is embarking on a project to beef up the state's information warfare (IW) counter-strategies.

The council says it is developing a world-class science, engineering and technology capability in the IW arena.

CSIR defence, peace, safety and security manager Jackie Phahlamohlaka could not provide the specific costs of the project, but explained it would encompass a combination of research, modelling and simulation.

The council defines IW as a wide description of offensive and defensive activities that entail the use of ICT. This type of warfare involves collecting, analysing and manipulation of data and information, and using it to target strategic points in a country.

Phahlamohlaka goes on to say the main impetus for the project was derived from a three-week wave of cyber attacks on Estonia in 2007. The attacks were targeted at the Web sites of Estonian organisations, including the Estonian Parliament, banks, ministries, newspapers and broadcasters.

CSIR ups SA's info-war capabilities
see also CSIR - Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and its press release on information warfare

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