Strategic Model of Evaluation of Cyber Operations

Today, cyber defense strategy is prevalent in many leading countries. The basis of this type of defense is mastery of cyberspace and the ability to perform cyber operations. This ability in addition to creating a cyber deterrent, enabling countries to eliminate the threat before it becomes actual. Due to the intangibility of cyberspace and invisibility of the purpose of cyber operations, it is difficult to understand the success of the operation. Measuring this success requires evaluating cyber operations. By evaluating cyber operations, the performance and effectiveness of operations can be measured, weaknesses and strengths can be found, and steps can be taken to eliminate weaknesses and improve strengths. In order to carry out an accurate, comprehensive and scientific evaluation of cyber operations, a strategic model is needed. In this study, a mixed approach (quantitative and qualitative) has been used to provide a strategic model for evaluating cyber operations. In this regard, 70 questionnaires conducted among commanders, managers and experts at the strategic, operational and tactical levels of the country's cyber operations. Based on the research and by using the opinion of experts, three concepts of “design evaluation”, “combat preparedness evaluation” and “performance evaluation” were identified as the basic dimensions of cyber operations evaluation. Then, the components of each of these dimensions were extracted and the indicators of them were determined. Finally, a strategic model for evaluating cyber operations in three dimensions, ten components and seventy-three indicators is presented after statistical analysis of the results of the questionnaires.