Videocast | Shadow play on the internet: Who is pulling the strings in the invisible war?

Behind the apparent stability of the modern world, a silent but increasingly fierce war is being waged – a hybrid war. Its weapons are not loud, but insidiously invisible: disinformation, cyberattacks, social media manipulation. Imagine how a few clicks can paralyse an entire country or how a fake video can shake political foundations. This article will take you into the shadowy world of cyber conflicts, where the boundaries between reality and illusion are blurred and each of us is a potential target. Are you ready to find out who is pulling the strings in this invisible war?

Krasimir Kotsov, cybersecurity expert and founder of SoCyber and Kikimora.io, and Angel Sirakov, marketing director at the companies, take us deeper into these topics in the new episode of the White Hat Riddles video podcast series. We will discuss:

Hybrid warfare – the invisible front of the 21st century

In the era of cybersecurity, hybrid conflicts deploy an invisible arsenal whose goal is no less destructive. Have you ever thought about how disinformation and cyberattacks can be more effective than conventional weapons?

Real-life examples such as the paralysis of Estonian government websites in 2007 and the alleged cyber espionage against Lockheed Martin by China illustrate the sinister reality of these methods. These cases raise questions about the true nature of modern conflicts.

Who is pulling the strings in cyberspace?

Unlike the clear distinctions during the Cold War, today's cyber arena is dynamic and multifaceted. We can no longer automatically blame traditional adversaries. A multitude of state and non-state actors have interests in this invisible war.

Is it possible that a cyberattack against a European Union country is not the work of Russia or China? Analysis shows that smaller countries with limited financial and human resources in cybersecurity are often more vulnerable targets.

Social media – an arena for manipulation

How did platforms created for connection become a potential weapon for disinformation? The removal of fact-checking mechanisms and algorithmic content selection raise serious concerns. Is it possible for the owners of these platforms to control public opinion in favour of specific political or financial interests? And the role of paid bots and fake profiles in manipulating public attitudes is an increasingly relevant topic for reflection.

Political engineering in the digital age

Can election results be influenced without physical intervention? From traditional methods of manipulation to cyber attacks against electronic voting systems and analytical agencies, new technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for political influence. What is the risk of well-funded hacker groups compromising the democratic process?

Behind the wall of cyber espionage

Imagine a world in which specialised agencies have unlimited access to your devices. Techniques for tracking, installing malware via ordinary USB devices and methods for remotely ‘reading’ screens sound like something out of a science fiction film, but they are reality. How effective is encryption as a defence in this context?

Big tech companies – unwitting participants or active accomplices?

Cases such as Cambridge Analytica raise questions about the responsibility of tech giants. How can personal data collected on a daily basis be used for political purposes and targeted propaganda campaigns? Concerns about foreign governments' access to this huge database are entirely justified.

VIPs in the crosshairs

Who are the high-profile targets in cyber warfare and what are the sophisticated methods used to compromise them? Is it possible for a standard phone call to be easily tapped and your phone hacked with a single click? Analysis shows that the most expensive and sophisticated exploits, available mainly to state-sponsored entities, are used for VIP targets.

Mass surveillance beneath the surface

Imagine submarines attaching themselves to underwater communication cables to intercept data. Is it possible to carry out mass surveillance of communications in this way? Passive interception and data filtering technologies are no longer science fiction.

Deepfake and AI – the new faces of disinformation

In the age of artificial intelligence, it has become easier than ever to create convincing fake video or audio messages that imitate real people. Expert demonstrations show the alarming ease with which information can be manipulated. And the use of AI-generated faces for fake profiles creates new challenges for online security and trust.

Cyber Armageddon – beyond the screen

Although a full-scale cyberattack leading to the simultaneous collapse of all systems may seem like a movie scenario, the potential consequences of serious cyberattacks on critical infrastructure are real and frightening. Vulnerabilities in energy grids, transportation systems, and even unexpected sectors such as waste collection can have catastrophic consequences. Restrictions on products from companies such as Huawei illustrate concerns about potential ‘back doors’ in hardware and software.

It is clear that it is no longer enough to defend ourselves against physical enemies alone. In the information age, our greatest strength is knowledge. Listen to the episode and take the first steps towards understanding the invisible frontline we are all part of.

Translated with DeepL.