Cyber Primer

Cyber functions
3.24. Signals intelligence. Cyber’s second symbiotic relationship is
with SIGINT, which is defined as: the generic term used to describe
communications intelligence and electronic intelligence when there is no
requirement to differentiate between these two types of intelligence, or to
represent fusion of the two. 44 Cyber operations and SIGINT are, to an extent,
reliant on the same infrastructures, organisations, accesses and personnel
training and skill-sets.
3.25. Signals intelligence and cyber. The key difference between cyber
and SIGINT comes in the intent and resultant effect of the two. The output
of SIGINT primarily resides in the cognitive domain and is one of increased
knowledge. Cyber effects will primarily be in the virtual or physical domain,
although some may also be in the cognitive domain, as we seek to deny,
disrupt, degrade or destroy. As with information operations/information
activities and cyber, SIGINT and cyber co-exist, overlap and may even
compete for resources – but they must be seen as complementary, not
competing, capabilities.
3.26. Electromagnetic activities. For the context of this Primer, EMA is
limited to electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) operations and electronic
warfare.
a. Electromagnetic spectrum. The EMS covers different types of
electronic radiation from radio waves through visible light to gamma
rays. From a military perspective, the EMS can be used indirectly, as
a bearer for information, or directly as a means of creating an effect.
It is in the former that the EMS and cyber have their relationship as
electromagnetic energy enables the linking of computer networks
and infrastructure.
b. Electronic warfare. Electronic warfare comprises electronic
attack, electronic protection and electronic surveillance and is
defined by NATO as: military action that exploits electromagnetic
energy to provide situational awareness and create offensive and
defensive effects. 45
44 AAP-06, NATO Glossary of Terms and Definitions.
45 Ibid.
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Cyber Primer (2nd Edition)