Гібридний вплив і сучасне інформаційне середовище

English

Hybrid influence and modern information environment

Abstract. Introduction. The information environment and the huge potential for its use in malicious actions have already attracted considerable attention from experts in the field of hybrid threats and hybrid warfare. Since the turn of the millennium, the use of influence operations by both state and non-state actors has become increasingly apparent to both decision makers and the public. The digital revolution, affecting the dissemination of information and social exchange in our societies and communities, as well as the increased connectivity of key societal systems and infrastructure, has opened not only new opportunities, but also vulnerabilities. In addition, changes in the labor markets and demographics of many societies have expanded opportunities and horizons for some, but left others unsure of their place or the representation of their interests in traditional media or the political sphere. This has had a direct impact on both national public policy and international relations, not least related to various referenda and elections. Purpose. The purpose of this work is a complete, comprehensive and doctrinal study of the general theoretical foundations of hybrid influence in the context of defining and characterizing the information environment. Materials and methods. The following scientific methods were used during the research: empirical (to collect and systematize data), observation (to generalize information), analysis and synthesis (to evaluate situations and examples of them, as well as take necessary measures). Results. Attention is focused on the fact that communication strategies must be adapted to the information environment, where the number of channels for reaching the population is much more diverse than just ten years ago. This requires greater knowledge of key target audiences, understanding what their motivations, concerns and experiences are, what channels they use and how messages should be framed to be understandable and effective. Another key aspect is instilling appropriate skill sets in security and intelligence services, as the ability to maintain situational awareness is a key prerequisite for several other areas of response and resilience. Because influence operations can target many different situations or actors in the public and private sectors, it is also important to close potential liability or perception gaps that an adversary can exploit. One of the ways to reduce them can be to create an organization that provides information exchange, training and cooperation for key societal actors, and also provides comprehensive tracking of threats related to hybrid impacts and implements an early warning mechanism. This organization needs to be adapted to existing legislation and the current information environment, where data moves freely, but at the same time has become a very valuable commodity that many unscrupulous actors, ranging from individuals to states, are trying to obtain. The focus is on the fact that influence operations use a wide range of methodologies, technologies and tools, but all of them benefit from a large amount of readily available data, which allows us to learn from a distance how someone else's information environment works. The ability to evaluate and reconfigure operations has also grown significantly in recent times. The speed, reach, and anonymity afforded by today's communication channels also make it easier to recruit or remove actors in this environment without revealing their identity and true motives. Scholars and practitioners in democratic societies often distinguish between cyber operations and influence operations. Discussion. In further scientific research, it is proposed to focus attention on the development of specific methods and indicators for countering internal threats and criteria for building a system for their prevention in the context of the information environment.

Keywords: management; hybrid threats; counteraction and prevention; innovative development; countermeasures against threats; prevention of threats; hybrid threats in management