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Author(s):
Neil C. Rowe
Secondary Title
Springer International Publishing
Abstract

We discuss ways in which an ostensibly military cyberattack could accidentally hit a civilian target. Civilian targets are easier to attack than military targets, and an adversary may be tempted to be careless in targeting. Dual-use targets are common in cyberspace since militaries frequently exploit civilian cyber infrastructure such as networks and common software, and hitting that infrastructure necessarily hurts civilians.

Concluding remarks
We conclude with proposed principles for ethical conduct of cyberwarfare to minimize unnecessary harm to civilians, and suggest designating cyberspace “safe havens”, enforcing reparations, and emphasizing cyber coercion rather than cyberwarfare.

Reference details

DOI
10.1007/978-3-319-45300-2_3
Resource type
Miscellaneous
Year of Publication
2017
Publication Area
Dual-use cybersecurity
Date Published
2016-12-02

How to cite this reference:

Rowe, N. C. (2017). Challenges of Civilian Distinction in Cyberwarfare. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45300-2_3 (Original work published)