Cyber Weapons Trade explores the hidden marketplace where digital vulnerabilities are bought and sold, revealing a complex ecosystem that threatens global security. This book highlights how nation-state actors, independent hackers, and cyber arms dealers operate within this clandestine world, where malware, ransomware, and zero-day exploits are traded. It examines the economic drivers behind this trade, including pricing models, motivations of buyers and sellers, and the use of cryptocurrencies for anonymous transactions.
The book asserts that cyber weapons represent a significant shift in international conflict and crime, requiring a new understanding of security threats and defense. The book progresses from establishing a foundational understanding of key players and digital weapon types to analyzing country-specific cyber warfare capabilities. It delves into ethical and political implications, addressing the challenges of regulating this market and the impact of cyber warfare on civilian infrastructure.
The book adopts a fact-based, analytical tone, drawing upon open-source intelligence, academic research, and government reports, offering a comprehensive view of the digital battlefield. It concludes by exploring the future of cyber warfare, including the potential impact of emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing.
