Strategic Deterrence in Cyberspace

By Kevin R Beeker

This research outlines practical steps that the United States can take to improve strategic deterrence in cyberspace. The unique character of cyberspace requires tailoring of traditional deterrence strategies to fit the domain. This research uses the Deterrence Operations Joint Operating Concept (DO JOC) and the New Triad as models for organizing deterrence operations. The DO JOC focuses on tailoring deterrence operations based on the actor; but deterrence operations must be also be tailored to the uniqueness of cyberspace. The effective tailoring of deterrence operations for cyberspace will require both the application of new ways and means and the tailoring of traditional deterrence concepts to fit this new domain. Practical application of cyber strategic deterrence involves: issuance of US declaratory cyber deterrence policy; removing sanctuaries for cyber adversaries; changing US and adversary mindsets and expectations for what is permitted in cyberspace; changes to military planning in order to conduct operations in consideration of adversary cyber capability; and appreciation of the key policy tradeoffs with respect to cyber deterrence implementation. Cyberspace deterrence should include all three ways of implementing a deterrence strategy: imposing costs, denying benefits, and inducing adversary restraint. Influencing the "Consequences of Restraint" fulcrum through attribution, identity management, and incentivizing trust holds great promise for cyberspace deterrence.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 102510188X
• ISBN13: 9781025101880
• Release Date: May 2025
• Publisher: Hutson Street Press
• Length: 120 Pages
• Weight: 0.77 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.1" x 9.2"