April 27, 2007 marked the beginning of a wave of cyber attacks on Estonian organizations, parliament, banks, and media.  More than six years later, Estonia is part of the world’s first volunteer cyberarmy, according to Christian Science Monitor, and has effectively boosted its cyber defense capabilities and awareness while prioritizing cyber education courses in its school systems.

Just last month, Jaak Aaviksoo, formerly the Estonian defense minister and currently the head of Estonia’s education and research ministry, spoke to The Times of India about cyber war and the lessons to be drawn form the 2007 attacks.

First, Aaviksoo opined that, as Estonia learned, a nation cannot tackle cyber onslaught alone.  Rather, countries should partner with other trusted nations and societies to combat cyber threats.

Next, according to Aaviksoo, traditional command and control structures have been abandoned in Estonia in recognition of the speed with which attacks and other operations occur in cyberspace.

Lastly, The Times of India reports that Aaviksoo explained evolving cyber threats this way:

The cyberspace is not a threat per se.  It is important to understand the interests and motivations behind an attack.  In strategic terms, it is almost impossible to bring down a nation through cyberspace.  But it’s possible to destabilize a country.

April 27, 2007 marked the beginning of a wave of cyber attacks on Estonian organizations, parliament, banks, and media.  More than six years later, Estonia is part of the world’s first volunteer cyberarmy, according to Christian Science Monitor, and has effectively boosted its cyber defense capabilities and awareness while prioritizing cyber education courses in its school systems.

Just last month, Jaak Aaviksoo, formerly the Estonian defense minister and currently the head of Estonia’s education and research ministry, spoke to The Times of India about cyber war and the lessons to be drawn form the 2007 attacks.

First, Aaviksoo opined that, as Estonia learned, a nation cannot tackle cyber onslaught alone.  Rather, countries should partner with other trusted nations and societies to combat cyber threats.

Next, according to Aaviksoo, traditional command and control structures have been abandoned in Estonia in recognition of the speed with which attacks and other operations occur in cyberspace.

Lastly, The Times of India reports that Aaviksoo explained evolving cyber threats this way:

The cyberspace is not a threat per se.  It is important to understand the interests and motivations behind an attack.  In strategic terms, it is almost impossible to bring down a nation through cyberspace.  But it’s possible to destabilize a country.