We are all concerned about what is happening between Russia and Ukraine, and even more about the implications and possibilities that the conflict will eventually trigger World War III.

In the Cyber world, things are very different.

1. In Cyber space, geography doesn’t matter
   
   The cyber world has no physical boundaries. A Russian or Chinese criminal can attack a neighbouring nation in the same way as one on the other side of the world.
   
   For this reason, in cyber space alliances and coalitions matter relatively, and in any case, they have less weight than we think.
   
   This changes all the rules of the game: while you commonly prepare for an assault by mainly defending the borders, protecting yourself from cyber assaults is more complex.
   
   The attack can reach any electronic device at any time and can affect services as well as critical infrastructures of primary importance.



2. The Third World War will be fought (also) in Cyber Space
   
   For these reasons it is likely that the Third World War will also be fought in the Cyber world.
   
   Therefore, not only with conventional weapons or nuclear bombs: on the contrary, cyber attacks will be used, potentially capable of paralyzing institutions and entire countries.
   
   This can take place exclusively or in combination with traditional attacks, greatly complicating the organization of the resources used for defense.



3. The conflict has already begun
   
   Weeks before the start of military offensive, Russia launched a series of cyber attacks against the Ukrainian government and banking system.
   
   These include a new “wiper” malware capable of erasing data from targeted systems.
   
   The cyber attacks therefore actually anticipated the missiles.
   
   And this is certainly not new: the cyber conflicts between Russia and Ukraine have been going on for several years now.
   
   The situation is no different between Iran and the US, China and the US, North Korea and South Korea, India and Pakistan.
   
   Almost all the nations in conflict end up launching cyber offensives that allow them to collect information, create disservices or different levels of damage.
   
   All countries carry out Intelligence and espionage activities using highly advanced Cyber tools.

So, will the conflict between Russia and Ukraine lead us to World War III?

The truth is that at low intensity, the conflict has already begun.

Nowadays no one is able to effectively defend against cyber attacks, which at these levels could have devastating effects

The only positive consideration is that this situation acts as a deterrent and keeps the level of the fight at low intensity. Exactly as happened with the atomic bomb, as long as the various nations remain in equilibrium also from the Cyber point of view, there is hope that the cyberguerrilla will not lead to something more serious.

An excellent reason to continue investing in Cyber Security!