To defend its critical communications infrastructure from cyberattacks in the event of a potential Chinese attack, Taiwan has explored various strategies. Dr. Nina A. Kollars and Jason Vogt, associate professors at the US Naval War College’s Cyber and Innovation Policy Institute, conducted a war game scenario involving government and private sector cybersecurity experts. The scenario involved a hypothetical situation where deteriorating relations between China and Taiwan led to the threat of military intervention by China, including disruptions to Taiwan’s communications infrastructure.
The experts identified 65 ways in which Taiwan could prepare for such a conflict, ranging from low-tech solutions like ham radio usage to more ambitious approaches such as investing in modular nuclear reactors or tidal power generation. Additionally, unconventional ideas were proposed, such as using civilians or cultural artifacts as deterrents against military strikes.
Taiwan’s vulnerability was highlighted due to its geographic location and reliance on undersea cables for communication, some of which run through China. The experts emphasized the importance of ensuring continuous communication, drawing inspiration from Ukrainian President Zelensky’s strategies during times of crisis.
In response to aggressive cyberwarfare tactics, players devised strategies to combat ransomware attacks, severed fiber optic cables, and power outages. As the conflict escalated, China implemented kinetic strikes targeting Taiwan’s aircraft, communication systems, and infrastructure.
To defend against such attacks, players proposed investing in infrastructure for communication, power generation, storage, and data backup. Suggestions included decentralizing critical resources, stockpiling equipment in remote locations, and utilizing solar power and radio systems for communication. Practical and cost-effective ideas, such as using Bluetooth or Raspberry Pi mesh networks, were also popular among players.
Overall, the exercise highlighted the importance of preparing civilians with technical skills, implementing public messaging campaigns on cybersecurity, and creating civilian cyber cores to protect and maintain communication systems in the absence of government support. By prioritizing resilience and innovation, Taiwan aims to strengthen its defenses against potential cyber threats in the future.
