Battlefield Cyber: How China and Russia are Undermining Our Democracy and National Security

Pertinent exploration of how cyberspace combat has become a dangerous reality.“Make no mistake, America’s adversaries are fully engaged in a cyber war,” write the authors, “and it is raging all around us.” This initially sounds like hyperbole, but as the narrative unfolds, it begins to seem like an understatement. McLaughlin is a former senior adviser for U.S. Cyber Command, where he was responsible for the coordination of Department of Defense counterintelligence operations in cyberspace, and Holstein is a journalist who specializes in technology and China. The authors make a strong argument that Russia and China are winning an insidious digital war against the U.S. They explain how hacks, malware, and system penetrations work, dissecting some of the major incidents. Russia is mainly concerned with disruption, and its government has coopted hackers specializing in ransomware attacks into their operations. The Russian invasion of Ukraine was preceded by cyberattacks on the country’s communications systems and infrastructure, which were remarkably effective. China is more interested in colonizing American systems to insert malware, steal intellectual property, and gather personal data. Both countries have penetrated social media platforms and have established a covert presence in cloud systems. McLaughlin and Holstein propose moves to improve digital security in the U.S., looking to Taiwan as a model for cooperation between government and the private sector. A Department of Digital Services could provide coordination and support as well as pushing tech companies to move their operations out of China. Corporations have to be willing to share information and protective technology, and there must be a concerted effort to remove embedded malware from systems in companies, government agencies, and the military. McLaughlin and Holstein present a convincing case in clear language, and the result is a book that is likely to keep you awake at night.A disturbing, well-rendered study that reveals the extent of the digital struggle and charts a way forward for the U.S. - Kirkus (Starred Review) —

“McLaughlin and Holstein are Paul Reveres for the 21st century, shouting the alarm and explaining how citizens, IT firms, and government must rebalance relations with China to protect our democratic system.”Andrew J. Nathan, one of America’s top China-watchers and Class of 1919 Professor of Political Science, Columbia University —

Anyone who wants to understand the risks we face in the digital world, and to consider a range of excellent and thoughtful recommendations on how we can mitigate those risks, would enjoy reading Battlefield: Cyber.Glenn Gerstell, former General Counsel, National Security Agency —

This book is a must read for anyone interested in the future of democracy and the Great American Experiment. This book begs the question: “What is to Be Done?”Steven Soble, Chief Executive Officer, Assured Enterprises —

Direct but nuanced, terrifying yet inspiring, a page-turner of a narrative built on robust empirics: Battlefield: Cyber is the primer, and call to arms, that everyone needs for today's war. Michael McLaughlin and William Holstein paint, in diligently researched yet thrilling brushstrokes, both the obvious battle taking place under our very noses and the subtler one changing how battles are fought. In the process, they offer a preternaturally clear portrait of China's strategy -- and of U.S. foibles. Best of all, they provide hope for a path forward.Emily de la Bruyère, co-founder, Horizon Advisory —

Incredibly timely and critically important, "Battlefield Cyber: How China and Russia are Undermining Our Democracy and National Security" is essential reading for cyber security professionals, academicians, governmental authorities (including state and federal legislators, corporate executives, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject. While also available for personal reading lists, "Battlefield Cyber: How China and Russia are Undermining Our Democracy and National Security" is an essential and unreservedly recommended addition to corporate, governmental, community, college, and university library Cybernetics & Political Intelligence collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. —