Okay.
So I was defining cognitive warfare. It is the way to use knowledge in order to create conflict. In its broadest sense, cognitive warfare is not limited to the military or institutional worlds. With the use of this tactic of warfare, the various threat actors in cyberspace have evolved significantly since the advent of mass influence applications of all sorts, including Facebook, TikTok, WeChat and many others.
As a specialist with Defence Research and Development Canada, or DRDC, in the office of the Associate Deputy Minister of National Defence, said in November 2021, "Technologies and the profusion of data combined make human behaviour the main vulnerability. In its extreme form, cognitive warfare can exacerbate domestic divisions, making a society vulnerable to friction, polarization and radicalization."
What does that all mean?
Over the last 20 years, a technological evolution progressively inserted itself in our society, with the promise of making our lives easier with automation using smart devices. The notion of having a form of connectivity in every utility of our lives, like coffee makers, household appliances, TV, etc., seems to be very practical and convenient. Without embedding good cybersecurity in the designs of these devices, there is the potential for those to become vectors of influence by applying some sort of control, like software features that are enabled or disabled at will, complemented by applications on smart phones that are communicating towards the rest of the world.
As one other cognitive warfare expert, François du Cluzel, stated:
Any user of modern information technologies is a potential target. It targets the whole of a nation's human capital.
...This battlefield is global via the internet. With no beginning and no end, this conquest knows no respite, punctuated by notifications from our smartphones, anywhere, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What can be done?
Strong leadership is required in order to address these problems. Education and awareness raising regarding subtle new approaches used by outside agents are essential if we are to prevent the erosion of our democracy. Governments at all levels must be aware of this so they can strengthen their governance and be in a position to reassure the public. Better cyber hygiene in the use of technology has to be stressed at all levels of our society so that it becomes second nature, in order to benefit from the technology.
I am now available to answer any questions you might have in both official languages. Thank you.