Bytes

The term "information warfare" has thus caught the attention of an entire generation of military thinkers. While the term encompasses both offensive and defensive measures, much of the imaginative thinking has concerned attacks on an adversary's command-and-control and information systems using methods as diverse as computer viruses, laser beams, and high-powered microwaves. Much of this thought goes into comprehending the possibilities, and maximizing the effects, of high technology in information warfare. For example, consider the consequences and effects if the following systems were disabled: financial markets, nuclear power plants, telephone systems, power distribution systems, traffic lights, or air traffic control and airline reservations systems.