Factors Determining Cyber Strategy: the Differences Between Active and Passive Cyber Attacks

Abstract

China and Russia have increased their pursuit of using cyber attacks as an offensive tool in overall state strategy. China pursues passive cyber attacks while Russia pursues active cyber attacks. This study intends to answer the question: what factors encourage China and Russia to pursue differing cyber attack strategies? A review of the current literature reveals that four primary factors influence cyber strategy: economic incentive, international hierarchy, institutional organization, and state interpretation of deterrence. These four factors are analyzed through policy analysis, using documents from NGOs, and government documents from the US, China and Russia. The results conclude that each factor contributes significantly to cyber-strategy; however, state interpretation of deterrence is the only factor that adequately explains China's and Russia’s choices in determining cyber strategy. The study discusses the implications of these findings and possible areas for further research.