DIMENSIONS AND IMPACT OF INFORMATION WARFARE: POLICY OPRIONS FOR BANGLADESH

Abstract

It is interesting to note that IT has brought about a new security environment, where military operations may not be confined to battle space, but beyond the traditional operational boundaries into the cyberspace. Some visualize that the war in ‘Information Age’ would be rather different, may be like computer game – absolutely a bloodless conflict. Many opine that IW is the new ‘Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA)’. It provides opportunities and at the same time formidable challenges. Previously only the developed nations generally had access to the domain of IT, where they extensively used the knowledge of science and technology for military purpose. Now any nation can have access to the basics of the computer and modem. Hence access to cyberspace warfare seems more pervasive. The more a society gets computerized, the more vulnerable it becomes to IW. Terrorists may also resort to IW against an information society without exposing themselves to danger. Since Bangladesh is exploring the IT environment, it is appropriate now to comprehend the subject, assess its vulnerabilities and take effective counter measures.