Social Media as a Strategic Advantage During Cyberwarfare

This article is a summary of the systematic literature review (SLR) on the strategic prevalence of social media as a tool in information warfare. The study was conducted by Errol Baloyi, Mayan Stegmann, Oyena Mahlasela, and Nokuthaba Siphambili and presented on the 27th of March, 2024 at the 19th International Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security (ICCWS).

Introduction

Cyberwarfare emerged as a theoretical concept in the 1990s but gained practical significance during the Ukraine-Russia conflict, highlighting its effectiveness in modern warfare. Following NATO's declaration of cyberspace as a battlefield in 2016, several countries established cyber commands. Russia, known for its cyber prowess since the 1990s, has been implicated in various cyberattacks globally. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated, resulting in significant cyberattacks, notably targeting Ukrainian power utilities. The NotPetya cyberattack in 2017, attributed to Russia, caused substantial financial losses globally. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, cyber warfare played a pivotal role, encompassing attacks on communication systems, government websites, and digital infrastructure. Russia also utilised social media manipulation to influence public opinion.

Social media plays a pivotal role in modern warfare, with state actors increasingly recognising its strategic value, affordability, and effectiveness in shaping narratives and influencing outcomes -- both in the kinetic- and cyber domains.

Methodology

The methodology involved a systematic literature review to analyse existing research on cyberwarfare and its utilisation of social media as a strategic tool. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework guided the search protocol. Relevant publications were identified using specific search terms and screened for relevance, with inclusion and exclusion criteria applied. Eligible publications were assessed for eligibility, resulting in a final set of 19 publications for review.

Key Findings

Warfare has always been a constant in human history, witnessed through numerous conflicts across different eras. However, the methods employed in warfare have evolved drastically, transitioning from primitive weaponry to sophisticated machinery. In modern times, warfare has taken on a new dimension with the integration of cyber tactics, including the use of social media for disseminating disinformation. Unlike in the past, where spreading false or accurate information required significant resources, today, anyone can create content, such as TikTok videos, and instantly share it with a global audience.

Misinformation & Propaganda

Social media has become the primary platform for disseminating misinformation and conducting propaganda campaigns during warfare. Russia utilised disinformation tactics extensively during the conflict, leveraging fabricated content to impede international relations and erode trust in opposing ideologies. The denial of truth and facts, distortion of information, distraction and blame, and intimidation tactics were employed to sway public opinion. Bots played a significant role in amplifying Russian propaganda, particularly on video-sharing platforms, and were instrumental in the early dissemination of information during the conflict. Despite setbacks, such as decreased prevalence of Russian propaganda post-invasion and implementation of policies targeting disinformation, caution is advised against underestimating Russian influence.

Information Dissemination and Mobilising Public Backing

Ukrainian leaders, notably President Zelenskyy, strategically managed information to bolster morale and seek international assistance. Zelenskyy's presence on various platforms, including social media, and daily updates to the Ukrainian people exemplified a twenty-first-century approach to warfare. Cyber operations, integrated with conventional strategies, were emphasized as most effective. Ukraine's Minister for Digital Transformation employed a multifaceted strategy, including leveraging social media to rally civilian support, reaching out to tech companies for assistance, and utilizing Telegram for coordination. Fundraising and cryptocurrency donations emerged as prevalent activities on social media during the conflict, highlighting the platform's dual nature for both noble actions and exploitation.

Mitigation Strategies to Counter Influence Operations through Social Networking Mediums

The interconnected nature of the modern world, and the ease of access social media provides to its users creates complex challenges when it comes to mitigating the risk of information warfare and countering disinformation campaigns online. Therefore, a multi-faceted approach is required; where the responsibilities are broken down into 3 roles, namely: the policymaker at the nation-state level, social media platforms and companies in the private sector, and the individual as the end-user of social media.

The Role of the Policymaker at a Nation-State Level

Policymakers at the nation-state level must take proactive steps to combat disinformation and propaganda while safeguarding citizens' rights. This entails developing a framework that adheres to principles of free speech outlined in documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Specialized government agencies equipped with advanced analytics tools should be established to monitor and detect disinformation campaigns swiftly. Collaboration and information-sharing partnerships with other nations and international organisations are crucial for tackling cross-border disinformation threats effectively.

Countering Disinformation in the Private Sector

The private sector, particularly large social media platforms, has a responsibility to respect human rights and counter the spread of disinformation. Organisations should invest in media literacy training for employees, implement content moderation and reporting mechanisms on their platforms, and develop crisis communication plans to respond to disinformation campaigns targeting their organization. Collaboration with fact-checking organisations, governmental agencies, and other entities for information sharing and resource pooling is essential.

The Role of the Individual as the End-User of Social Media

Individuals play a critical role in countering disinformation online by developing media literacy skills, fact-checking information before sharing it, employing critical thinking, and verifying the legitimacy of websites. Reporting false information through social media platform reporting tools and refraining from engaging with or sharing disinformation are encouraged. Cultivating a diverse news feed helps individuals avoid echo chambers and gain a balanced perspective on current events.

Conclusion

This study conducted a systematic literature review to investigate the role of social media in modern warfare, focusing particularly on its utilisation during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The research aimed to understand how social media was strategically leveraged during this conflict, recognising the expanding dimensions of warfare in contemporary times. Drawing from diverse literature, the study examined both the benefits and challenges of social media in warfare, as well as potential countermeasures to mitigate its negative effects. The findings offer valuable insights for governments, law enforcement agencies, and national defense forces to enhance their preparedness and strategic responses to modern warfare dynamics. However, the study acknowledges its limitations in relying solely on secondary data and recommends incorporating primary data in future research for a more comprehensive understanding of social media's role in shaping conflicts.