Software and Malware Capabilities: Opinions on (Inter)national Security

Abstract

Modern life is permeated by software which provides a large attack surface, ranging from generic malware attacks that can be classed as mere nuisance to sophistically created and targeted code touted as a next generation of weapons. Although some research on this broad area of cyber weapons exists, the solicitation of public opinion through surveys is lacking. This paper presents the results of a questionnaire concerning the attitudes and understanding of cyber weapons in relation to international security. The results of the study suggest that there is a statistically significant difference between respondents employed in the 'Military', 'Academia', or 'Other' professions concerning questions of capabilities and the demise of the state-centric model.