SECURITY: Cyber Defence (en)
Proactive cyber defense, or active cyber defense (ACD), involves taking preemptive actions to counteract potential cyber attacks on computers and networks. This approach typically necessitates enhanced cybersecurity measures provided by internet service providers.
The rationale behind adopting a proactive defense strategy centers on issues of cost and decision-making. Decisions made post-attack can be both challenging and expensive. Proactively addressing security threats is crucial for reducing operational risks.
History
In the 5th century B.C., the Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu emphasized the importance of predictive analysis in successful strategy formulation. He insisted that military planners must thoroughly comprehend the active threats and avoid being oblivious to the adversary's condition. His teachings consistently reflect the theme of proactive defense.
The term "proactive" was first used by psychiatrist Viktor Frankl in his 1946 book, Man's Search for Meaning, to describe taking responsibility for one's own situation instead of blaming external circumstances.
In 1982, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) contrasted "proactive" with "reactive" in the context of risk assessment. In risk management, being "proactive" involves initiating actions in anticipation of threats, whereas "reactive" measures are those taken in response to events that have already occurred. Military science both historically and presently views defense as the method of preventing attacks. Moreover, the doctrine suggests that attacking an adversary who is poised to strike could be considered active-defense. Although the term "defense" is often used as a softer alternative to "war," it does not imply the negativity associated with offensive warfare. The use of "proactive" has expanded within military discussions to encompass all aspects of military operations, including offensive actions, which are subtly categorized as active-defense. Politically, the notion of national self-defense against an aggressive war includes preemptive strikes and is sometimes cited as a criterion in the 'Just War Theory'. Proactive defense has evolved from a theoretical concept to practical application in military operations.
Stephen Covey's 1989 book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, published by Free Press, further reshaped the understanding of "proactive" to mean taking action before a situation escalates into conflict or crisis. Since then, the term "proactive" has commonly been set in opposition to "reactive" or "passive."