This book offers an introduction to Information Technology with regard to peace conflict and
security research a topic that it approaches from natural science technical and computer
science perspectives. Following an initial review of the fundamental roles of IT in connection
with peace conflict and security the contributing authors address the rise of cyber conflicts
via information warfare cyber espionage cyber defence and Darknets. The book subsequently
explores recent examples of cyber warfare including: -The Stuxnet attack on Iran's uranium
refining capability -The hacking of the German Federal Parliament's internal communication
system -The Wannacry malware campaign which used software stolen from a US security agency to
launch ransomware attacks worldwide The book then introduces readers to the concept of cyber
peace including a discussion of confidence and security-building measures. A section on Cyber
Arms Control draws comparisons to global efforts to control chemical warfare to reduce the
risk of nuclear war and to prevent the militarization of space. Additional topics include the
security of critical information infrastructures and cultural violence and peace in social
media. The book concludes with an outlook on the future role of IT in peace and security.
Information Technology for Peace and Security breaks new ground in a largely unexplored field
of study and offers a valuable asset for a broad readership including students educators and
working professionals in computer science IT security peace and conflict studies and
political science.
