Journal 10.2: National Security and Social Cybersecurity

Journal 10: National Security and Social Cybersecurity

Gary Hensley

07/19/2026

The cyber world has changed, and its reach is almost endless. It has importance in modern warfare. Technology enables state and nonstate actors to affect warfare through social media. The use of bots to spread information faster. Governments must keep up with fast changes and adapt.

In early warfare, events, information blitzkrieg, and propaganda strategies were used, where you had to be closer to the situation and physically spread the information. The ability to use technology has changed the need for physical closeness. Allowing for widespread anonymous manipulation at large scales. The use of manipulating information and networks with the use of misdirection, hashtags, and networking with people. Even the use of bots is automated to amplify these operations. Attacks on social media and forums can influence public opinion and beliefs. Unlike news outlets, which tend to keep views by being truthful and not spreading misinformation. Social media like Facebook and Twitter thrive from engagement and internet traffic, so are less likely to restrict information posted. The government can monitor social media to better understand future information operations that could pose national security threats. Government and military policies need to change to ensure that social operations remain ethical while preserving freedom of speech.

In conclusion, national security is significantly affected by the cyber domain. Warfare has taken advantage of technology, changing how disinformation and misinformation are used. The importance of the government keeping up with the fast changing technology and how it affects politics and the economy.

References

Beskow, D., & Carley, K. M. (2019). Social cybersecurity: An emerging national security requirement. Military Review, 99(2), 117–128. https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/Mar-Apr-2019/117-Cybersecurity/ (armyupress.army.mil in Bing)