Cyber Weapons do not Exist in a Vacuum. They Evolve as Defences (and to a Lesser Extent, Goals) Evolve

Martin C. Libicki, author of Cyberspace in Peace and War (2^nd Edition)

What are the characteristics of cyberwar? How is cyberwar campaign planned and executed?

Cyberwar is the systematic use of cyberattacks to achieve or support the aims that wars are carried out to achieve. It comes in two flavours. Tactical cyberwar is used to support kinetic (traditional) military operations; it is used primarily against military targets. Strategic cyberwar is designed to influence governments and societies; it is primarily used against civilian targets.

Campaign planning would depend on what its purpose is. Tactical cyberwar planning would follow war planning in general, although it may be used beforehand to create opportunities for kinetic war to exploit. Strategic cyberwar planning should also follow from the goals that it is trying to achieve, e.g., regime change, a reduction in popular suppo