Cybersecurity and Political Warfare: The Weaponization of Information in the Digital Age

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Abstract

In this digital age, cybersecurity has become imperative to protect political stability and public trust. The paper examines weaponized information as a strategy in modern political warfare, where cyber tactics like disinformation campaigns, social media manipulations, and data breaches shape public opinion over destabilizing political entities. This paper highlights the undue influence wielded by information weaponization in national security, public perception, and global diplomacy through such incidents as the U.S. 2016 election interference, Brexit referendum, and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. In response, the development of cybersecurity policies, public media literacy, and use of AI in countering digital threats are underway by respective governments and organizations. However, the rapidly evolving nature of cyber tactics presents continuous ethical and strategic challenges that demonstrate the need for international cooperation on responsible AI use. This paper argues for the need for taking a comprehensive, proactive approach in cyber-political warfare, including policy, education, and technology, in order to protect the integrity of democratic systems around the world.

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