ABSTRACT
Cyber weapons are becoming more prolific on the world stage as they feature in cyber warfare operations. This chapter reviews some of the debates that surround cyber weapons as they are known today. A well-accepted definition of cyber weapons is as follows: a cyber-weapon is seen as a subset of weapons more generally: as computer code that is used, or designed to be used, with the aim of threatening or causing physical, functional, or mental harm to structures, systems or living beings. So far, the debates have focused on the legal evolution of cyber weapons and the reality that the US has a role to play in curbing the procurement of cyber weapons. The chapter explores cyber weapons for Homeland Security considerations. Having a multifaceted definition of a cyber weapon is useful for policy-makers and Homeland Security practitioners alike to avoid misunderstandings.
