From the Desk of the Cyber Committee, September 2026
“The Evolving State of Cyber Warfare: Capabilities, Challenges and Projections of a Hyperconnected Battlefield” white paper was published in May by members of the AFCEA Cyber Committee and is available to download for free via AFCEA’s Resource Library. The white paper explores what expanding technological capabilities mean for the future battlefield—one that extends well beyond traditional trench lines and into civilian organizations, communities and homes.
As our society has become increasingly connected, the potential attack surface has rapidly expanded. Understanding the realities of threats and risks associated with our ever-increasing hyperconnected battlefield is an essential priority for contemporary defense, government and industry leaders. As capabilities continue to evolve faster than policy, military doctrine and organizational structures can adapt, this paper encourages readers to rethink traditional assumptions about resilience, warfighting and national security.
The white paper provides analysis of the evolving role that artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, critical infrastructure, quantum computing and workforce development play in defending our nation and allies. With its expansive “blast radius,” cyber warfare has the potential to impact all of us, on and off the modern multidomain battlefield.
Additionally, the paper outlines ethical challenges and considerations with cyber warfare and provides multiple case studies of how the digital fight has had real-world impacts. Going beyond just identifying threats, this paper offers practical insights for strengthening cyber resilience, nurturing public-private collaboration and preparing for the future fight.
Contributors provide multisector insight on how cyber warfare will continue to impact our technology-saturated world and provide key takeaways and action items for cyber leaders committed to supporting and securing our communities in the face of rapidly evolving cyber threats.
Contributors included Lt. Col. Gilberto S. Perez, USAF; Hannah Becker, vice president at Becker Digital; Dean Fox, vice president at Amentum; Diane M. Janosek, Ph.D., Esq., CISSP, Capitol Technology University Board Member and CEO of Janos LLC; Tarrazzia Martin, senior federal technology leader; and Laura Samsó Pericón, founder of Synarea Insights. Drawing on expertise from academia, defense, government and industry, the contributors provide a multidisciplinary perspective on one of the defining national security challenges of our lifetime.
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