Reducing the Fog of War by Increasing Cybersecurity Readiness

A unique attribute of the current commercial and public sector is the convergence of warfare principles with information technology operations and security. In the realm of modern warfare, uncertainty is a constant companion. The term “fog of war,” coined by the Prussian military theorist Carl von Clausewitz, encapsulates the chaos and unpredictability inherent in military operations.

This concept, first articulated in the context of the Napoleonic Wars, remains relevant today, particularly in the domain of cybersecurity. Let’s delve into the importance of cybersecurity in reducing uncertainty and enhancing decision making in military contexts.

The nature of war and the fog of war

Clausewitz’s seminal work, “On War” (aka “Vom Kriege” in the original German), describes war as a realm characterized by violence, friction, fluidity, disorder, complexity, and, above all, uncertainty. In the book, the “fog of war” refers to the lack of clarity and the confusion that pervades the battlefield. This uncertainty can stem from various sources, including incomplete information, the unpredictability of enemy actions, and the inherent chaos of combat.

In the modern era, the digital battlefield adds another layer of complexity, where cyber threats can compromise mission-critical systems and data, further exacerbating the fog of war. While these concepts resonate with military leaders, they are just as applicable to our civilian counterparts in cybersecurity and IT operations. Both groups face similar challenges: incomplete information and the unpredictability of changes to complex systems are all too familiar.

Though “On War” was technically never fully finished due to Clausewitz’s death, its incompleteness reflects a deeper poetic truth: warfare is never a “closed book” and – like the digital threats we face today – is constantly evolving and can never be fully mastered. Just as Clausewitz observed with the unpredictable nature of battle, modern cybersecurity professionals must continue to navigate an ever-changing landscape of threats and uncertainty.

Mental models to decrease uncertainty

To successfully navigate the fog of war, military strategists employ various mental models and processes designed to increase certainty and improve decision making. Several key models to highlight:

• OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act): Developed by military strategist John Boyd, the OODA Loop emphasizes rapid and continuous cycles of observation, orientation, decision, and action. This model helps military leaders stay ahead of adversaries by making faster and more informed decisions.
• See-Think-Do: This model emphasizes the importance of situational awareness (see), critical thinking (think), and decisive action (do). It encourages military leaders to maintain a clear understanding of the situation, analyze it critically, and take appropriate action.
• Sense, Make Sense, Decide, Act: Similar to the OODA Loop, this model focuses on sensing the environment, making sense of the information, deciding on a course of action, and acting on it. It highlights the importance of continuous assessment and adaptation.
• Red teaming: Red teams challenge plans and strategies by adopting an adversarial perspective. This process helps identify weaknesses and improve overall robustness by simulating enemy tactics and strategies.

By employing these models, both military and commercial cybersecurity teams can create more structured, strategic approaches to reducing uncertainty.

The cost of poor cybersecurity

Poor cybersecurity can have dire consequences for both military (particularly in the context of modern warfare) and commercial organizations. Neglecting cybersecurity is like neglecting dental hygiene – it may not show immediate consequences, but the damage can be severe over time.

The costs of poor cybersecurity include:

• Mission failure: The stakes are even higher, with potential consequences including loss of life and mission failure.
• Financial losses: Cyberattacks can result in substantial financial losses, both directly through theft and indirectly through the costs of remediation and recovery.
• Damage to reputation: A successful cyberattack can damage the reputation of military and commercial organizations, eroding trust and confidence.
• Productivity loss: Cyber incidents can disrupt operations, leading to significant productivity losses.
• Legal consequences: Failure to protect sensitive information can result in legal repercussions and regulatory penalties.
• Intellectual property theft: Cyberattacks can lead to the theft of valuable intellectual property, compromising technological advantages.

[Read also: What is cyber hygiene, and why does it matter?]

Tanium’s role in Increasing cybersecurity readiness

Tanium plays a crucial role in reducing the fog of war by providing tools to enhance visibility and control over cybersecurity factors. Here’s how:

• Real-time visibility and control: Tanium provides real-time insights into the state of an organization’s IT environment, enabling rapid identification and response to threats.
• Rapid response and remediation: With Tanium, organizations can quickly address and remediate security incidents, minimizing the impact of cyberattacks.
• Continuous monitoring: Tanium’s continuous monitoring capabilities ensure that organizations maintain a high level of security vigilance, detecting and addressing threats as they arise.
• Compliance enforcement: Tanium helps organizations enforce compliance with security policies and regulations, reducing the risk of legal and regulatory penalties.
• High-fidelity data: Tanium provides access to real time, accurate data to make data-driven decisions.
• Platform integration and extensibility: Tanium can seamlessly integrate with other enterprise technologies, including ServiceNow, Microsoft, Splunk, Chronicle, Elastic, Flexera, Cisco, ForeScout., and more.

Lifting the fog of war

The fog of war remains a significant challenge in modern military operations, compounded by the complexities of the digital battlefield. Like our Nation’s armed forces, commercial organizations are challenged by their own “fog of war” brought about by the myriads of complex systems that have evolved over decades.

However, by employing effective mental models and leveraging advanced cybersecurity tools like those provided by Tanium, organizations – military or otherwise – can reduce uncertainty and enhance their decision-making capabilities.

Were he alive today, I believe Clausewitz would agree that cyber warfare is also in “the realm of uncertainty” and would appreciate how Tanium’s increased visibility and control of cybersecurity factors reduces the fog and uncertainty of war.

By prioritizing cybersecurity readiness, military and commercial leaders alike can navigate the fog of war more effectively, ensuring mission success and safeguarding lives.