information warfare

information warfare definition - computer

Also called "cyberterrorism" and "cyberwarfare," it refers to creating havoc by disrupting the computers that manage stock exchanges, power grids, air traffic control and telecommunications. While the term often deals with attacks against a nation, it may also refer to attacks on organizations and the general public. For example, devastating viruses may be considered information warfare.

The first book to deal with the subject was "Information Warfare: Chaos on the Electronic Superhighway," written by security awareness expert Winn Schwartau in 1994. See virus and cyberwar.



Computer Desktop Encyclopedia THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY
All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher.
Copyright © 1981-2009 by Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.