What term refers to the utilization of information and communication technologies (ICT) for a competitive advantage over an opponent?

• A. Reconnaissance
• B. Information Warfare (InfoWar)
• C. Defensive Information Warfare
• D. Offensive Information Warfare

Answer: (B)

Information Warfare, often referred to as InfoWar, is the umbrella idea of using information and information systems to gain a competitive edge over an opponent. It involves leveraging ICT to influence, disrupt, deceive, or degrade the adversary’s information environment while enhancing one’s own situational awareness and decision advantage. That makes it the best fit for using ICT to create an advantage against an opponent. Reconnaissance is simply gathering information about a target, not about leveraging ICT for advantage. Defensive Information Warfare focuses on protecting information assets, not using them to gain an edge. Offensive Information Warfare describes using information operations to attack, but Information Warfare covers the broader concept of exploiting ICT to influence outcomes and win, which is why it’s the most appropriate choice.