Types of Computer Attacks

This study will divide the types of computer attacks into two distinct categories based on the intent of the perpetrator of the computer intrusion. This differentiation can be defined as intentional cyber warfare attack (IA) with intentional actors (I-actors) or Unintentional cyber warfare attack (UA) with U-actors (unintentional cyber actors).1 An intentional cyber warfare attack (IA) is any attack through cyber-means to intentionally affect national security (cyber warfare) or to further operations against national security. IA can be equated to warfare; it is national policy at the level of warfare. It includes any act intended to compel an opponent to fulfill national will, executed against an opponent‘s computer and software systems.

"Unintentional cyber actors are individuals who unintentionally attack but affect national security and are largely unaware of the international ramifications of their actions. U-actors include anyone who commits cyber infiltration and penetrates the defenses of a system such that the system can be manipulated, assaulted, or raided.“ Uactors have a large variety of motivations and intentions but do not intend on inflicting damage to national security or to further operations against national security. These Uactors can be categorized as hackers and although they commit cyber crime, they are not intentionally prosecuting cyber warfare. It is important to note that unintentional actors may be influenced by I-actors but are unaware they are being manipulated to participate in cyber operations.