BY SIDRA SHAHID
It is quite clear that the nature of warfare is changing rapidly. It is easy to predict that any future conflict will undoubtedly differ significantly from the previous one. The future wars will increasingly take place in non-physical realms like the cyber and psychological ones rather than just on battle field.
Humans will only be able to participate in conflict on the periphery since technology will dominate the physical aspects of combat. Henceadopting to the evolving dynamics of conflict is obligatory i.e. a paradigm shift is necessary in how we view imminent hostile confrontations if we are to prepare for the next battle.
Modern warfare won’t be ad hoc. It will be a slow-burning conflict that might end without a single shot being fired.The reason behind this change is increased reliance on technology, and conceptions and strategies are altering and mutating at a spectacular rate.
The Internet is currently the foundation of all contemporary communication systems. Although this medium is very effective, it is also vulnerable to all kinds of cyber-attacks. Cyber space is the real battle filed in today’s world. Cyber security is acknowledged as a glaring and immediate threat to the world economy, particularly by leaders of the World Economic Forum.
The bilateral relations between many states have been hampered by cyber interpretations, and Pakistan and India are no exception. States, including Pakistan, must now defend their national sovereignty in unconventional ways.Pakistan is really lacking behind when it comes to newest means of warfare especially cyber security and Artificial Intelligence.
There are many notice able events of data thefts and national sites hacking in country by both state and non-state actors.Pakistan must significantly improve its cyber security procedures at both offensive and defensive levels while taking into account the political climate of South Asia. It is important to pay attention to cross-border cyber-attacks carried out by our adversary state. Pakistan already been quite late in forming its National Cyber Security Policy-2021 and now its timely and effective implementation has to face many hurdles.
The limited and insufficient legislation around this concern, lack of cyber awareness in both public and private officials, lack of cooperation between ministries and institutes are the core problems. Raising awareness, promoting a culture of cyber security, bridging the technology gap, creating standards for the online world, and addressing other relevant issues at the national level are all necessary. All stakeholders must have a thorough and outcome-focused discussion about this.
There has been several successful cyber-attacks on various official and non-official websites of Pakistan that results in data theft and economic loss as well. The vulnerability comes especially from state’s reliance on third party rather than on initiating national cyber security initiatives at various levels.
Secondly use of pirated software also adds up to the security risk. Due to weak cyber security mechanism official data has been compromised.
Moreoveruse of Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Space are now tools use in strategic competition. Cyber surveillance and database hacking will be utilized in the upcoming conflict to put together the intelligence puzzle and hit the opponent where he is most vulnerable.Information will be methodically acquired using all possible methods, both manual and technological. Those countries without monitoring satellites would have a serious disadvantage.
In terms of communication and surveillance satellites, India clearly outpaces Pakistan. It is more of a necessity for Pakistan to develop its AI and Cyber skills.If we have to maintain the strategic balance in the region. Pakistan needs a multidimensional defense policy to balance India in the region.
Lastly in respect to this phenomena it is very crucial to have technical and non-technical skill set. Due to a lack of awareness and attention to cyber security, it appears that both the public and private sectors are uninformed of the true scope of the cyber threat.
Government must first determine the key asset and conduct a thorough risk assessment in order to improve reaction time and quality. Every organization should have a multi-layered defense system, especially those that have the potential to directly impact national security.
Other solutions could include the development of national and sector-specific CERTS for quick crisis management, the usage of indigenous software, training of human resources, and physical protection of cyber infrastructure.
As far as AI is concerned it is very important for us to acknowledge its true potential. It is not hidden that AI is directly affecting human security and is the way to future.In the case of Pakistan, we really need to create a strong AI industry, utilize its potential, and increase investment.
Additionally, it is necessary to create a robust tech ecosystem that limits AI misuse while enabling national security within the confines of international normative order and peaceful socioeconomic development.
