Cyber Operations and Their Responsible Use: (Adelphi series)

In the twenty-first century, cyberspace and the ‘real world’ have become inseparable. The stability and security of cyberspace therefore affect, in increasingly profound ways, the economies, international reputations, national security, military capabilities and global influence of states. In their short history, operations in cyberspace have already been used extensively by states and their non-state supporters for many purposes. They are an inevitable aspect of contemporary international affairs while carrying significant risk. In this Adelphi book Marcus Willett, a former deputy head of GCHQ, argues that there is no coherent or widely shared understanding of what cyber operations really are, how they are used and what they can do; or of their implications for strategic affairs and international law; or what their ‘responsible’ use really entails. The myths and misunderstandings that abound tend to dull the conceptual clarity needed by strategic policymakers and overseers, and they complicate the essential task in a liberal democracy of maintaining public consent for, and legitimisation of, the development and use of such capabilities. The book sheds light on these issues, exposing myths and clarifying misunderstandings.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: Attacking the issue Chapter One: What we mean Chapter Two: A short history of cyber operations Chapter Three: The cyber dimension of the Russia–Ukraine war Chapter Four: The strategic utility of cyber operations Chapter Five: Strategic risks Chapter Six: Responsible cyber power Chapter Seven: The UK model Chapter Eight: The future Conclusion: Maintaining balance

About the Author :
In a 33-year career at the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) Marcus Willett CB OBE rose to become its deputy head, with personal responsibility for, amongst other things, all GCHQ cyber operations. Previously, he was GCHQ’s first Director Cyber and led the UK national offensive cyber programme. He also held senior posts across the wider UK intelligence and security community. Since 2018, Marcus has been Senior Adviser for Cyber at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and has advised government policymakers as well as private companies in the UK, US and elsewhere. His previous publications include articles on the SolarWinds hack, the Ukraine war, and a methodology for measuring the cyber power of states.

Review :
‘Cyber Operations and Their Responsible Use is a must-read primer for cyber operators, policymakers and national-security professionals. Marcus Willett’s work – particularly his thorough coverage of threats and balanced discussion on cyber deterrence – provides new insights and informed analysis that only someone with his impressive background and experience could produce. His writing style draws the reader close to his arguments and provides a clarity not seen before given the complexity of the subject matter.’ General Paul M. Nakasone, US Army (Retired), Former Commander, US Cyber Command and Director, National Security Agency ‘Marcus Willett’s outstanding new book explains how cyberspace is fundamentally transforming the political and security landscape. Beginning from first principles, he develops a grammar to understand some of the most controversial political debates of our time. With sound realism, he charts a way forward in a world full of ambiguity, offering strategic support to policymakers, the security and defence community, diplomats and experts, public officials and civil-society actors. A thoughtful guide and a must-read for future, responsible action.’ Peter Maurer, President of the Basel Institute on Governance; former President of the International Committee of the Red Cross; former Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Switzerland) ‘A seminal piece. Marcus Willett combines policy and operational experience with intellectual rigour in this book. He carefully unpacks and defines complex concepts, providing clarity to cyber practitioners and academics alike. His writing offers a refreshing perspective on what a responsible cyber power could look like, and challenges existing assumptions and thinking on the utility of cyber operations. Those interested in understanding the policy complexity of cyberspace and cyber power would find this book very handy and enriching.’ David Koh, Commissioner of Cybersecurity and Chief Executive, Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) ‘Marcus Willett, an experienced practitioner, provides a much-needed, cogent analysis of the global history and possible future of cyber operations, and describes possible steps for governments to improve strategic clarity. A welcome intervention in this complicated, chaotic and dangerous arena.’ Amber Rudd, Non-Executive Director for Centrica and Non-Executive Director Ryanair; former Home Secretary (UK) ‘In the blink of an eye, a staggering amount of human activity has moved online, encompassing the economy, our social lives, and, inevitably, disorder, crime, subversion and warfare. The opportunities are immense. So are the risks. This timely book, written by a leading authority who spent his career at the heart of the UK’s technological intelligence community, sets out how cyber power, exercised responsibly, can keep our citizens safe and our countries secure as we seek to prosper from the limitless potential of the technological revolution.’ The Lord Sedwill GCMG FRGS; Former Cabinet Secretary and National Security Adviser, Cabinet Office (UK); Chair of the Atlantic Future Forum