Cybersecurity has become a critical part of national security strategies worldwide. National security depends on strong cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure and defend against nation-state threats. Since the public internet’s creation, it was only a matter of time before it became a tool for warfare.
Soon, the terms such as cyber warfare, cyber war and cyberterrorism were coined. Cyber warfare refers to a virtual attack, usually online, against a country. A full-scale conflict where cyberattacks are used is called a cyber war. Cyber terrorists create chaos and fear through cyberattacks. These terms often overlap, and in some cases, may happen at the same time.
As these tactics increase, nations invest more in cyber defense. The United States has built cybersecurity programs and agencies to strengthen this field. Boise State alum Ranier Weedon-Kastilyo saw the need for professionals in this space and pursued a career in national security. As data becomes one of the most valuable assets in modern society, the demand for cybersecurity in national security will continue to expand.
Seeing the effects of cyber warfare
Warfare tactics have shifted from traditional combat to the digital battlefield. Unlike conventional war, cyberattacks cross borders instantly and exploit vulnerabilities with speed and scale.
Intelligence gathering once relied on spies, cameras and radio signals. Command and control required physical presence or direct lines of communication. Outcomes were measured in casualties, land gains or regime changes.
Today, cyberwarfare has changed the picture. Nations deploy malicious code, exploit weaknesses in critical infrastructure and manipulate digital information to disrupt or influence adversaries.
“Although attacks are happening virtually, that doesn’t mean they don’t affect physical aspects, including people,” Weedon-Kastilyo said. Cyberattacks can paralyze power grids, disrupt banking systems, sabotage military operations or expose sensitive government data — all from thousands of miles away.
He added that while cyber conflict can reduce battlefield casualties, it introduces new challenges: “The silver lining to this is that it reduces the casualties produced by war. However, this new landscape introduces ambiguity.” This means that attributing attacks to specific actors is often difficult.
“It may be unclear if a specific hacker or group of hackers represents that specific country, or if they are acting alone. Even if the hacker was found, and was in a different country, how would a country ask another country that they might not have great ties with, to comply and turn that person in for a harm done to their country?”
This uncertainty forces nations to rethink rules of engagement, deterrence strategies and even the definition of “war.”
Cybersecurity’s role in national security
Cybersecurity is essential to protecting the United States as cyber tactics continue to grow more complex. Agencies such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy have integrated it into their operations. The Department of Homeland Security even created a dedicated branch, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
The U.S. government has also invested in growing the cybersecurity workforce. In the early 2000s, the National Science Foundation and Department of Homeland Security launched the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service Program. The program funds up to three years of study for undergraduate and graduate students in cybersecurity. In return, participants work for a federal agency or federally funded research and development center after graduation. The program has helped many students start lasting careers in national cybersecurity.
Weedon-Kastilyo had his first exposure to national security through an internship. “I know that cybersecurity is needed in every sector of organizations, even federally, but I never knew how large the cybersecurity community was in national security,” he said.
He found the internship by applying online and soon discovered how meaningful the work was. “I was casually browsing on job search websites and just applied for internships. I was fortunate that I lived in an area where there were many government contract companies. Once I was introduced, I thought about how fulfilling it would be to be playing a part in helping people. Now, I am protecting networks that people rely on in this country.”
Weedon-Kastilyo credits Boise State’s online cyber operations and resilience program for preparing him. “The program helped me prepare for a job in national security. There are specific classes and paths that helped me understand various cybersecurity requirements and controls that the government implements. As a side quest, I even obtained the Analyst and Threat Intelligence Graduate Certificate that counted toward my degree and was geared towards national security,” he said.
How Boise State is preparing students for the call to national security
Boise State has a strong connection to national security. The cyber operations and resilience program supports active military and veterans as they pursue careers protecting the country through cybersecurity.
The program also offers the Analyst and Threat Intelligence Graduate Certificate, which focuses directly on national security. Courses include:
- Cyber Warfare and Conflict
- Cyber Threat Intelligence
- Cyber Digital and Signal Intelligence
These courses are also part of the program’s Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Science degrees, giving students flexible ways to build skills for national service.
Learn more about the cyber operations and resilience program
Boise State’s cyber operations and resilience program can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online program is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.
Written by Cyber Operations and Resilience Content