Information Warfare

by Edward Waltz

Here's a systems engineering-level introduction to the growing field of Information Warfare (IW) -- the battlefield where information is both target and weapon. This book provides an overview of rapidly emerging threats to commercial, civil, and military information systems -- and shows how these threats can be identified and systems protected. This is the first book to detail the component principles, technologies, and tactics critical to success in the three key areas of Information Dominance, Information Defense, and Information Offense.

416 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1998

Reviews

[Stingray · Rating 4 out of 5]

With „Information Warfare: Principles and Operations“ author Edward Waltz provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of relevant terms, concepts and principles, which are so fundamental, that most of the content is still the backbone of the topic 20 years after publishing.

The objective of this book is nothing short than providing a general reference for professionals working in the field of information warfare to assure a uniform understanding and clear communication using acknowledged terms and principles. Thus this book is not designed for the average reader, who will easily be overwhelmed by interlocking concepts, terms, complicated diagrams and abbreviations.

Starting with the basic role of information and information systems in modern warfare the author covers various theories and approaches and does not stick to the fast changing terms and concepts of U.S. military doctrine. Using a broader approach he provides different views of how information and information technology may be used in warfare and how information superiority may be achieved. He then goes on to cover the integration of information policy, strategy and operations with the different component parts in offensive and defensive operations. Each chapter is sourced with endnotes, definitions and concepts are supported by graphs and diagrams chapters end with short summaries to reinforce key findings.

Considering the work to be 20 years old by now and covering a very technical and hurriedly evolving topic, it is noteworthy many aspects of Wirtz’ book are still true and relevant. Partly this is grounded in the descriptions to cover basic principles and terminology and not going into the evolving capabilities of technology. Nevertheless parts of the description are clearly outdated or do not match current terms or definitions anymore. Because of this the use of the book for professionals who take part in ongoing operations should only be for orientation purposes whereas the book is highly inaccessible for non-professionals.

In summary this is a still relevant and comprehensive standard work on information warfare with slight deficiencies due to its age.

[Gerrit G. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nutzloses Buch, es ist eine Aneinanderreihung von Ontologien, Tabellen und Aufzählungen von Themen, die irgendwie mit Information Warfare zu tun haben. Der Autor nennt einen Haufen Quellen und zählt die verschiedenen Sichtweisen auf – aber da bleibt es auch.

Ich habe Zweifel, dass der Autor das Dargestellte verarbeitet hat. Es ist ein bisschen so wie das Abschreiben von ein paar Abstracts, Tabellen und Schemata aus Veröffentlichungen. Ferner arbeitet er auch nicht heraus, was wichtig ist und was nicht. Wenn er mal in die Zukunft schaut ist es „could“, „should“ usw.

Ein Gnadestern, weil die Darstellung der Epistemologie relativ gut ist.

[TK Keanini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waltz is a great writer and I have most of his books. It is his approach to these subjects matters that is most useful. He will mix in philosophy, cognitive science, experience in the field and everything else to help the reader understand from multiple perspectives the topic of information warfare.