Date of Graduation
Fall 2017
Degree
Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies
Department
Defense and Strategic Studies
Committee Chair
Brian Mazanec
Abstract
This thesis answers the fundamental questions of what North Korean capabilities and intent in cyberspace are and what North Korean threats and vulnerabilities are associated with these. It argues that although North Korea’s cyberspace resources and capabilities have increased and reached a level that represents an advanced persistent threat, its cyberspace operations have remained restrained and regional. It also argues that North Korea’s valuable assets include its ability to control cyberspace within North Korea and its ability to engage in cyberspace activities and operations from abroad. The thesis recommends that the United States government exploit these assets by denying and disrupting the use of cyberspace by covert cyber units outside of North Korea, as well as by enabling and ensuring the less monitored and less controlled use of cyberspace by civilians inside of North Korea.
Keywords
North Korea, South Korea, cyberspace, cyber conflict, offensive cyberspace operation, cyberattack, cyber espionage, DarkSeoul Gang, Lazarus Group, advanced persistent threat
Subject Categories
Defense and Security Studies
Copyright
© Jeremiah van Rossum
Recommended Citation
van Rossum, Jeremiah, "An Assessment of North Korean Threats and Vulnerabilities in Cyberspace" (2017). MSU Graduate Theses/Dissertations. 3212.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/3212
