Nation-states are increasing their utilization of cyber operations against other nation-states and will likely enhance their effects in times of armed conflict. As much as cyber operations can be specific and limit casualties, they can also be used to inflict direct or indirect harm to civilians. Cyber operations directed at critical infrastructure like industrial control systems and healthcare organizations can have a direct impact on civilian life. Other malware developed by nation-states
may also spread from target networks with unforeseen effects that if not properly executed can potentially harm civilian networks.