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Difference between revisions of "Information: South Torbia"

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''This page is a section of [[South Torbia]].''
 
''This page is a section of [[South Torbia]].''
  
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[[Ariana]] is a repressive information environment, with the government controlling all important information environment elements. Ariana is one of the most sophisticated nations in the world at information control, utilizing advanced capabilities to monitor and direct communications. Despite this, the fragmented Arianian opposition uses the Internet extensively, though its ultimate effect on the political environment is mixed at best. Ariana’s INFOWAR capability is generally good, with pockets of excellence in a variety of disciplines.
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The Republic of Torbia, also known as South Torbia, has a thriving and relatively free media environment, with freedom of speech and loyalty to the country.  South Torbian Information Warfare (INFOWAR) capabilities will continue to grow in both equipment and training of personnel, and will rely on Western nations to help continue the modernization of this capability.  Internet and television are state of the art and the most important form of media in South Torbia.
  
 
== Satellite Telecommunications ==
 
== Satellite Telecommunications ==
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Ariana’s advancements in satellite communication services are rapidly developing. Presently, Ariana operates one government-owned telecommunication satellite which utilizes Ku-band transponders in a geostationary orbit. When necessary, Ariana contracts with foreign allies to lease satellite communication systems that also operate Ku-band transponders.
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South Torbia possesses a wide range of satellite capabilities, with most suited for dual-use by the South Torbian military. Currently, South Torbia operates eight commercial telecommunications satellites utilizing Ku-band and Ka-band transponders in a geostationary orbit, all powered by solar array panels. These commercial satellites may be used to support military operations when necessary. Additionally, the South Torbian military operates three communication satellites using Ku and C band transponders. The satellites are in a geostationary orbit powered by solar array antenna. The South Torbian government also leases Ku, L, and SHF bandwidth from commercial satellite companies that support government and military operations when necessary.
  
 
== Navigation ==
 
== Navigation ==
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Ariana’s military is believed to use commercial L-band receivers that are reciprocal with GPS or GLONASS for navigation. This highlights the significance of dual-use technologies, utilizing technologies designed for the commercial sector yet adaptable to support military objectives.
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Currently, South Torbia operates three navigation satellite systems using L-band transponders. The combined systems create a network of navigation services and provide regional coverage of the Asia-Pacific region. The three satellites are each 120° apart, in a highly inclined, slightly elliptical geosynchronous orbit. Because of this inclination, they are not geostationary, making their ground traces appear in an asymmetrical figure-eight pattern designed to ensure that one is almost directly overhead of South Torbia at all times. When necessary, South Torbian military units purchase off the shelf commercial GPS receivers for navigation support. There are currently plans to launch a fourth satellite to enhance the accuracy of the system in the near future.
  
 
== Public Communications Media ==
 
== Public Communications Media ==
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Ariana’s heavy-handed control of public communications has allowed the country to weather a sustained protest movement and slowly squeeze opposition voices from the public arena—either to internal silence or external exile. All significant public media is not just government-controlled, but the messages are crafted expertly to portray the Arianian government and the Council of Guardians Revolution in the best possible light and to shift the blame for most issues to an implacably hostile West.
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South Torbia’s public communications sector was historically dominated by TV, but in recent years the Internet has made considerable inroads into this area, especially among more urban, young, and educated populations. Television, radio, and print media are developed and mature, policed by relatively soft governmental censorship. The Internet is the freest of spaces, and social media is the preferred outlet for reporting of uncensored news, along with interpersonal communication.
  
 
=== Internet ===
 
=== Internet ===
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Internet use in Ariana is blossoming, and the Arianian Internet is a dynamic center for discussing politics, culture, and religion. World Bank economic indicator studies suggest about one-third of Arianians use the Internet.  Arianian Internet usage growth is among if not the fastest in the Caucasus region.
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The Internet in South Torbia is considered excellent for the region, despite a digital divide between rural and urban areas. Planning for the future includes the upgrade of Internet broadband speed in rural areas to be raised from five megabits per second (Mbps) to 20Mbps and up to 100Mbps in urban areas after completion.  In addition, mobile phone access is increasing providing internet service for the younger generation and rural users. Despite relative Internet freedom, mockery of the government by South Torbian users can result in arrest and detention. The South Torbian government view is that as long as Internet activity does not threaten South Torbian government interests, it is allowed, but mockery or criticism is forbidden. Censorship for all media, particularly the Internet, is predominantly carried out on the orders of the Torbian Communications Standards Commission (TCSC).
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[[File:Arianian Reform Movement spreads a multilingual message.png|thumb|Arianian Reform Movement spreads a multilingual message]]
 
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Despite Arianian Telecommunications Company (ATC) control of all Ariana Internet service backbones (packet-switching and bandwidth), the government still finds it a challenge to control Internet information. The Internet now serves as the main forum for Ariana’s dissident voices because of its decentralized nature and the fact that most of the infrastructure is outside Ariana’s borders. Broad anti- government protests following recent Arianian presidential elections increased the importance, content, and quantity of Internet blogs.
 
  
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The Arianian government responded to the proliferation of Internet anti-government messages by adopting one of the most sophisticated Internet censorship systems in the world. Officially, the Arianian government introduced Internet filters to block perceived pornographic or immoral material. In practice, it attempts to block sites with political content as it limits access and identifies those who make posts. The Director of the Arianian Communications Technology Network claims Ariana blocks 90% of the more than 10 million sites for “immoral” reasons. The Arianian government made broadband Internet connections for home users illegal to prevent users from downloading Western cultural products like music and films. Many external reports indicate the government bans far more than the 90% of Internet sites it claims.
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Almost 43 million South Torbians, or over ninety percent of the South Torbian populace, use the Internet on a daily basis. The South Torbian populace uses the Internet at work and home for business and personal use. Social media has increased the amount of users in the past few years and will continue to gain importance as it is less regulated by the government than the web. In addition, messaging services are in demand through the Internet as well to communicate with family and friends. Additionally, free Wi-Fi is offered in over 1,500 public spaces across the country, including train stations, airports, libraries, health centers, and community centers.
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Proxy services, usually hosted abroad, responded to the attempted bans by offering a means for many Arianians to circumvent the government bans. Thus, a race continues between the Arianian government and activists as the activists attempt to create and disseminate usable proxy addresses before the Arianian government can detect them and add them to the filter.
 
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Due to its technological nature, the Internet lends itself to a more educated and urban population. Since the educated, young, urban population comprises the domestic anti-Arianian movement’s core, the Internet serves as a practical method for support and communication between themselves, Arianian expatriates, and Western sympathizers. Members of Ariana’s anti-government movement have crafted simple, but effective, English messages to speed dissemination to Western media outlets and non-Farsi speaking supporters abroad.
 
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The domestic opposition movement has also distanced itself from any foreign government or the idea of change to the current political structure. Instead, the domestic effort has focused on electoral irregularities. Some analysts suggest the domestic movement does not want to be associated with movements that appear either anti-religious or anti-government.
 
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Ariana’s government controls several internal Arianian websites. These include over 15 different news and discussion sites that, while appearing to deliver a variety of opinions, are controlled by the Arianian government. Most Arianians, when able, access Western news sites. An important additional source is the Arianian blogosphere, which connects Arianians internationally and domestically and is considered by most to be highly trustworthy.
 
  
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The Internet in South Torbia is provided by four main Internet Service Provider (ISP). These four providers have very close associations with members of the government ensuring any future developments will remain with them. The monopolizing of the service ensures that any outside business will fail trying to enter into the Internet provider system.
 
=== Television ===
 
=== Television ===
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The government maintains broadcast control over all television content aired in Ariana. A highly popular media, the US Government estimates that television reaches almost 80% of Arianian households. The country’s five major networks broadcast a combination of news, sports, religious,  and historical programming. All networks are controlled by the Arianian government. Arianians are avid consumers of foreign satellite broadcasts via Very Small Aperture Television (like DIRECTV®). The Arianian government periodically cracks down on unlicensed satellite reception, but the prevalence of satellite dishes prevents such crackdowns from being widespread or persistent.
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Television in South Torbia is the most mature and pervasive media, but with the introduction of the Internet it is slowly declining, especially among the younger generation. There are two national networks, South Torbian Broadcasting System (STBS) and Manila Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), as well as over 50 local stations that cover the entire country. The Torbian Broadcasting System (TBS) is the largest of the national networks and collects an annual licensing fee, around $40, from all television set owners. Most South Torbians subscribe to digital cable, satellite or Internet Protocol TV (IPTV).  Additionally, South Torbia has one educational broadcasting system (EBS). Approximately 15 million, or thirty percent of the populace, own a television.
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The Arianian government has attempted to jam foreign-sourced satellite transmission, especially from the US, UK, and EU. It has also  enlisted foreign allies like Cuba to jam the uplink signal. It is likely the government will continue to aggressively control viewing choices for Arianians.
 
  
 
=== Radio ===
 
=== Radio ===
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The Arianian government controls all radio broadcasts originating in the country. In December 2002, the US- funded Radio Safa began regular broadcasts in Farsi on short-wave, medium-wave, and satellite. Major Arianian-controlled radio stations include a government network; foreign broadcasting in multiple languages, including Atropian  and  Limarian; and multiple news, talk, cultural, and youth-oriented networks. Practically all Arianians and most people living within 200 kilometers of the Arianian border have access to this programming.
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South Torbia maintains a number of public and private radio broadcasters done over AM, FM, and shortwave bands. There are 61 AM, 130 FM and 2 shortwave stations operational in South Torbia. The top four radio networks are a combination of private and public broadcasters. In South Torbia, even private broadcasts have significant ownership links to the key government officials and are generally unlikely to report adverse material about the government. The introduction of Internet radio is a new source for broadcast to the populace mainly used by the younger generation.
  
 
=== Print Media ===
 
=== Print Media ===
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After the election of mildly reformist politicians in the late 1990s, the privately-owned Arianian print media began to flourish. Since the return of the conservatives to power, the Arianian government  has adopted aggressive state censorship that bans many reformist newspapers and their employees from the field.
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South Torbia maintains a remarkably large print media establishment with over 30 national and local dailies available in a variety of languages.  The South Torbian press benefits from the availability of a highly literate audience, the adult literacy rate is estimated to be over 97 percent. Many of the newspapers are owned by a conglomerate of industrial businessmen who rely on large corporations for advertising revenues. Freedom of the press and speech is guaranteed by the constitution, but a defamation law exist that provides for prison sentences and prompts self-censorship by journalist. Journalist may also face direct pressure from the government on issues or topics considered politically sensitive in nature, such as national disaster and how the government responds to the disaster.
  
 
=== Telephone ===
 
=== Telephone ===
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Ariana’s modern telecommunications began in 1971. The Arianian government, under both the Pasha and Islamic Republic, ran the Arianian Telecommunications Company (ATC) as the national telecommunications monopoly. As it did with many other former state enterprises, the Arianian government planned to privatize the ATC. Recently, the Arianian military used a government subsidy to purchase control of the ATC through a shell company, Elburz Enterprises.
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The telephone infrastructure in South Torbia is one of the most advanced in the region. The continued advancements in the mobile phone infrastructure with speed and dependability of services are outpacing the fixed main line infrastructure. There are currently over 30 million fixed main lines in use, these are mainly used by businesses and the government, while the home use of fixed main lines are declining in popularity. Fixed main lines are supported in the country by the use of seven submarine fiber optic cables connecting South Torbia with key regional countries, as well as satellite earth stations in major urban cities. South Torbia is slowly transitioning from fixed main line to Internet Protocol (IP) telephone infrastructure for business and government telecommunications operations.
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[[File:Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Basic Mobile Coverage.png|thumb|Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Basic Mobile Coverage]]
 
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Currently, Arianian telecommunications operate with a combination of landlines (increasingly fiber optic since 1984, with digital switching since 1989) and mobile services (text messaging remains popular). Ariana operates an estimated 25 million landlines and 43 million mobile lines. Foreign operators plan to provide Third Generation (3G) mobile services, but capital and foreign control issues shifted the new network’s ownership and construction responsibility to various Arianian government agencies.
 
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Internationally, the domestic telecommunications network connects to international telecom networks via satellite links (INMARSAT and INTELSAT), high-frequency (HF) radio, and fiber optic cable. The ATC, from its outset in 1971, assumed responsibility for all Arianian telecommunication affairs, and the ATC began the same year to manufacture the network’s required national long- distance equipment. After the first fiber optic cable operational testing at the ATC’s research center in 1984, the government began constructing the Shahid's Voice Communications Company in Esfahan the next year; it became operational in 1989.
 
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By the end of the decade, the US government estimated 8.5 million Arianians enjoyed mobile telephone service operated through one heavily-congested mobile network with a long waiting list. In 2005, the Arianian parliament forced the Kalarian company Kalacell to withdraw from a potential mobile phone consortium. The failed business deal damaged Arianian-Kalarian relations despite Ariana’s need for another network. Later that year, South Africa’s Mobile Telephones Network of South Africa accepted Ariana’s stringent licensing conditions and replaced Kalacell in the mobile phone consortium.
 
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Additionally, Ariana embarked on a homegrown satellite program to improve its communications network. In February 2009, the Arianians used a two-stage space launch vehicle (SLV), which weighed about 60 pounds, to launch a first-generation communications satellite into orbit. Ariana can use this or future satellites for communication or possibly for intelligence purposes. Significantly, the launch validated Arianian ballistic missile and rocket capabilities, laying the groundwork for a possible change in the Middle East balance of power.
 
  
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Mobile phone subscribers in South Torbia continues to grow each year, outpacing the fixed main line subscribers. There are currently over 60 million mobile phone subscribers and subscriptions are expected to grow by five to ten percent each year. There are three main mobile phone service providers in South Torbia, with ST Telecom being the largest with over 55 percent of the business. With the younger generation relying more and more on mobile phone services to have independence and freedom to communicate whenever and wherever they want, the mobile phone industry will only continue to grow in popularity and services.
 
=== Postal/Courier ===
 
=== Postal/Courier ===
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Ariana Postal Service (APS) and other private courier services within Ariana transport mail, packages, and other documents. The private couriers’ importance continues to decrease as business activity restrictions  by  the Arianian  military  and international  economic  sanctions  make it progressively more difficult to operate within Ariana. APS offers domestic and international service as it attempts to upgrade its postal system to international standards.
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South Torbian postal and courier systems are generally well-established, reliable, and capable of moving significant amounts of freight throughout the nation. There are two types of postal facilities in South Torbia: standard post offices and the larger distribution centers. Distribution centers offer a wider range of services for businesses than standard post offices do. Along with the South Torbian national postal system, international freight providers, such as FEDEX and DHL, and local freight forwarders are well established throughout the nation.
  
 
=== Word of Mouth ===
 
=== Word of Mouth ===
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Word of mouth is an important communications medium, especially in rural Ariana. Because of the political situation, political or religious speech not specifically approved by the government is dangerous, so trust relationships are even more important than in most neighboring countries. The Arianian government often disseminates new policy through religious authorities to give government pronouncements the veneer of religious sanction.
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South Torbian word-of-mouth communication is among the least important modes, similar to other advanced nations. A combination of the rise of the Internet, mature TV and radio, and widely available print media makes more traditional forms of communication increasingly obsolete. The rise of text messaging first among youth, and increasingly among much of the rest of the population, is changing the dynamics of personal interaction. Social media is becoming the preferred means of communication.
  
 
=== Information Control ===
 
=== Information Control ===
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The government effectively controls all major media outlets and effectively muzzles dissent except on the Internet, where reformers operate with great difficulty. For over 30 years, Ariana’s government has maintained a massive anti-US INFOWAR campaign that is remarkable mostly for its ineffectiveness with both its own population and wider regional and international audiences. On the other hand, Ariana’s Persian ethnic majority warmly receives any perception management-driven messages of Persian “greatness” or “uniqueness.”
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South Torbia does not directly control the flow of information, but it still has a soft censorship program then ensures that information deemed harmful to the integrity of the government is prohibited. The populace continues to use social media to express their views of areas within the government they deem as unacceptable. The South Torbian government also requires website operators to identify if the sites they own and operate might be harmful to the younger generations of South Torbia.
  
 
== INFOWAR ==
 
== INFOWAR ==
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INFOWAR in the Caucasus region contains a mixture of old and new technology. While older Donovian equipment forms the backbone for much of the region’s INFOWAR warfighting capability, the countries conduct advanced operations with dedicated INFOWAR units. For example, regional perception management activities, often web-based, form the current global state-of-the-art. Internet operations are frequently used as an adjunct to major combat operations. Most countries in the Caucasus focus their INFOWAR on their likely adversaries.
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The country of South Torbia is among the most technologically advanced to conduct INFOWAR activities in the region due to recent upgrade of equipment and training of personnel. South Torbia continually conducts INFOWAR attacks against the regime of North Torbia in the media as one example of its capabilities. South Torbia also continues to purchase more modern INFOWAR assets to remain a viable power in the Pacific region.
  
 
=== Electronic Warfare ===
 
=== Electronic Warfare ===
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Ariana maintains an eclectic collection of jamming and sensor capabilities ranging from 1970s Western equipment to international arms market purchases to domestically produced items. While still capable against regional foes, the Arianian electronic warfare (EW) capability will likely prove inadequate against Western opponents or those equipped with modern Arianian equipment. Arianian EW doctrine remains in a state of flux as the Arianian military struggles with slow abandonment of Western practices and adoption of more non-Western asymmetric practices.
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South Torbia develops and manufactures some of its Electronic Warfare (EW) equipment, but ultimately relies on more advanced nations to supply the government with the latest and most advanced capabilities on the market. South Torbia maintains a variety of sensors and jammers on ground, air and naval assets, and is slowly increasing these capacities to counter those used by the more advanced militaries in the region, such as the People’s Republic of Olvana. Training of personnel on EW assets is continuous to keep up with new advancements, while joint exercises with other nations adds an additional level of training to further develop their skills in a more realistic environment.
  
 
=== Computer Attack ===
 
=== Computer Attack ===
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Of the Caucasus countries, Ariana maintains the second most-robust computer attack capability through a large and capable cyber militia. While doubtful they could effectively penetrate major nation state-systems, the Arianians possess significant overmatch to any regional opponent except Donovia, due to their relatively large population of computer experts.
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The South Torbians are in the early stages of transitioning from a strictly cyber defense strategy to adding a cyber-attack capability. This change is in retaliation to the increase of cyber-attacks by other regional countries in the past couple of years against the South Torbian government. To meet this new capability, the government is currently training an additional 1,000 to 1,500 personnel to augment the current cyber warfare capabilities of the country. South Torbia currently relies on assistance from Western nations to help train their new personnel to counter the ever changing dynamics of cyber warfare.
  
 
=== Information Attack ===
 
=== Information Attack ===
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Ariana also possesses one of the most-developed information attack (IA) capabilities in the region, second only to Donovia, even though these capabilities may seem rudimentary by global standards. Ariana maintains a large cyber-focused force, and previously attempted to use IA against reformist protesters. These efforts generated limited effects and, while its capabilities continue to improve, Arianian IA will still probably only operate effectively against non-state actors. Its IA is prone to be ineffective against top-tier nation states and their allies.
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South Torbian information attack (IA) capabilities are limited with basic skills to deface websites or engage in tactics like distributed denial of service attacks. As their cyber warfare capabilities advance South Torbia’s IA capability is likely to also advance. South Torbia currently could use their limited capabilities to initially deter a larger more sophisticated country in the region, but will rely on support from their stronger allies for longer lasting effects.
  
 
=== Deception ===
 
=== Deception ===
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Deception remains a hallmark of Arianian military operations, and its importance will only increase in the future. Arianians particularly focus on deception to mask operations and allow Arianian forces to close the gap with the US and other adversarial countries, which Arianians believe maintain an unbridgeable arms overmatch. Arianians will likely use a variety of ruses, such as wearing US-style or other countries’ military uniforms, to mask their involvement in military operations.
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The deception tactics used by South Torbia may consist of electronic or physical capabilities, such as decoys and camouflage. South Torbia will use these capabilities to deceive '''and frustrate the ability of''' a hostile country to locate and determine the composition of South Torbian units. By using such tactics South Torbian forces gain time and space to reposition and conduct counter attacks against a hostile country.
  
 
=== Physical Destruction ===
 
=== Physical Destruction ===
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Ariana knows its ability to negate threats from the US, Israel, and other high-end opponents is extremely limited. Ariana will probably only attack sensors as a tactical last resort or where enemy sensors appear poorly defended or unguarded. Any such Arianian attack would require extensive denial and deception techniques to close the distance from launch point to target. Ariana highly respects Israeli and US sensors based on its experiences in Iraq and Lebanon.
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As South Torbia continues to modernize its military it will utilize key assets to deny and destroy high value targets such as enemy INFOWAR assets and capabilities.  South Torbia will use assets such as artillery, rockets, aircraft and special purpose forces to conduct operations to allow freedom of movement and protection from enemy targeting operations.
  
 
=== Protection and Security Measures ===
 
=== Protection and Security Measures ===
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Recently, Ariana made international news for being unable to protect its nuclear power SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) networks from malware. While significant damage occurred from this incident, the Arianians will likely redouble their efforts to secure these networks and other INFOWAR architecture. Ariana uses both internally produced and commercial off-the- shelf network protection software.
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South Torbia continues to train and upgrade its information systems to protect against external attacks by foreign governments and internal attacks by opposition organizations. The government has implemented a cyber defense curriculum to train future cyber soldiers with free education in key cyber fields in return for a five year service obligation. The current protection and security measures implemented by South Torbia consist of high-level encryption and firewalls to protect key information infrastructure. Another option South Torbia is researching is the closing off of vital areas of a vulnerable network to deny unauthorized access to sensitive areas, this could be accomplished on a short term or permanent basis depending on the of the vulnerability perceived. South Torbia also continues to focus training on the physical security of installations and government facilities to deny disclosure of information that could cause grave damage to the security of the country. These activities consist of training on the proper storage and accountability of classified information and those who are authorized access to such information.
  
 
=== Perception Management ===
 
=== Perception Management ===
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Traditionally, Ariana attempts to craft a complete anti-Western, Revolutionary Islam message for both external and internal consumption. The Arianian government uses local proxies to downplay  the “Persian” and Shia origins of its message in non-Shia countries while consistently supporting world-wide communications that “Islam is the Answer” to the Muslim world’s problems. This idea of Revolutionary Islam’s value itself is an Arianian Islamic Republic message. Internally, the government conveys that the Arianian Islamic Republic is the primary Shia Islam defender. The Arianian government consistently references the Martyrdom of Hussein, a prime element of Shia, to rally populous support from the rural, religiously conservative Shia. Additionally, INFOWAR messages merge perceived threats (such as Western cultural imperialism/pollution) with the Islamic Republic as a threat against Ariana itself. This rallying cry to defend the Arianian nation resonates with all levels of Arianian society.
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Perception management exists as a main element of South Torbian INFOWAR, as the South Torbian government expends considerable effort to demonstrate North Torbia’s “aggression” on websites, public pronouncements, and other official media. In addition, the South Torbian government openly acknowledges its recent weapons procurements, especially those from Western nations, to demonstrate its strength and military potential to the other nations in the Pacific region.
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Regionally, Arianians attempt to portray themselves as the defenders of Islam against aggressive outside forces. In government and population discussions, Arianians stress their shared religious beliefs and play up the Atropian minority population’s integration within Ariana. Arianians also continue to strengthen their relations with Limaria, stressing common commercial interests. Arianians will likely attempt to portray Gorgans as “puppets” of the West. Despite their historical and political status as the “odd man out” of the Caucasus region, the Arianians will deftly play up elements of political, social, religious, or economic commonality with other nations.
 
  
 
== Intelligence ==
 
== Intelligence ==
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Ariana has sophisticated human intelligence (HUMINT), open source intelligence (OSINT), and signals intelligence (SIGINT) programs. Analysts believe Ariana to be the second most capable space power in the region as it has at least one government-owned and -operated satellite that supports intelligence operations. Additionally, Ariana has access to commercial off-the-shelf satellite  imagery and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for imagery intelligence (IMINT), along with Arianian- produced measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT). Arianian IMINT and MASINT programs will likely continue to operate at a lower development rate than Ariana’s sophisticated and globally capable HUMINT, OSINT, and SIGINT programs.
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South Torbia maintains a sophisticated and able intelligence apparatus that operates both at home and abroad. The Ministry of Defense Intelligence (MDI) controls all of the different intelligence disciplines both at the national and military defense level. The different intelligence disciplines are well trained and resourced to ensure that national security is not threatened. The Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) are the largest and most advanced of the disciplines, with Measurement and Signatures Intelligence (MASINT) in the research and development stages. South Torbian advancements in intelligence has been the result of training and resource support from Western allies over the past few years and will continue to improve in the future with new advancements.
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Ariana operates a large, operationally diverse, and highly experienced intelligence organization. Recently, the Arianian military shifted more of its intelligence portfolio from the Intelligence Ministry of the Islamic Republic of Ariana to the military intelligence apparatus. Arianian intelligence operations are focused on supporting terrorist proxies such as Shia Internationalist Brigades; direct attacks on American, Israeli government, and Jewish targets; and suppressing internal and external political dissent and separatists.
 
  
 
=== Human Intelligence ===
 
=== Human Intelligence ===
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Ariana organizes its HUMINT programs into four primary categories: collection and influence, support to foreign militants, support to friendly foreign countries, and direct action. Organizationally, the Arianian military’s World Jihad Force, along with its associated intelligence units, operates as the primary offensive HUMINT asset, especially now that the Arianian intelligence service reportedly lost its previously independent status.
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The Human Intelligence (HUMINT) program in South Torbia is the most important discipline and is well established and trained. The program focuses on internal security and external threats from regional nations. The HUMINT services will continue to focus on the border region with North Torbia with the majority of its assets. The focus for internal security is on opposition groups who see the government as not supporting the needs and wants of the populace according to the groups’ stated agendas, such as reunification. These groups operate primarily in the Capitol and the northern portion of the country.
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Arianians conduct influence operations throughout the Muslim world but attempt to play down the “Persian” and “Shia” origins of their revolutionary message. Additionally, the Arianian intelligence services use the vast web of interconnected economic, familial, and religious connections (such as the graduates of Arianian religious institutions) for collection and influence. Most likely, Arianian HUMINT operations focus on technology acquisition and sanction circumvention.
 
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Ariana maintains a fleet of foreign-origin equipment that is a major component of Arianian conventional combat power. Thus, sustaining weapons systems or acquiring technology to increase Arianian force capabilities probably are a prime HUMINT focus. Faced with UN sanctions that limit external support for Arianian intelligence and nuclear programs, the Arianian military likely will work to bypass these sanctions and secure access to dual-use technology and the international finance network. As a result of Arianian intelligence operations, many Donovian military officers  and Arianian military’s associated business organizations remain under UN and US Treasury sanctions that limit their access to the international financial and business infrastructure. It is likely that Arianian HUMINT operations will continue to focus on workarounds to these sanctions.
 
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Arianian intelligence previously funded, trained, and enabled insurgent paramilitaries throughout the Middle East. Much of this support activity has been targeted against Coalition forces in both OIF and OEF. Arianian intelligence and the Arianian military developed and trained the Shia Internationalist Brigades in the early 1980s. The Shia Internationalist Brigades provided a vital proxy for Arianian government activities and an excellent training ground to validate Arianian combat TTP. Many reports indicate Arianian military personnel served as trainers in foreign countries and the country’s military trainers also assisted with intelligence collection. In addition to training native Arianians, a number of foreigners (primarily Shia Lebanese, Shia Iraqis, North Africans, Palestinians, and Shia Gulf Arabs) have been trained and operationally attached to the Arianian military, helping to increase the Arianian military’s HUMINT capabilities. The country’s military favors the Shia Internationalist Brigades as a “cut out,” or operational proxy, for Arianian operations. It is unlikely that any third party like Shia Internationalist Brigades would operate without the consent of Arianian intelligence services, and only if the action furthers Arianian objectives.
 
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The US Treasury Department implicated the Arianian intelligence services in counterfeiting, especially against the US. It is presumed that Ariana uses such operations to fund its activities and for economic warfare against the US and its allies.
 
  
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South Torbian counterintelligence services will most likely be focusing on threats from external agencies seeking to acquire information on government and military forces, as well as major industrial companies, to gain an advantage over South Torbia. The possibility exists that South Torbia may also have assets operating in other nations to gain an advantage in the event of hostilities.
 
=== Open Source Intelligence ===
 
=== Open Source Intelligence ===
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Ariana probably operates a massive open source intelligence (OSINT) program with government and government-affiliated operators who collect primarily via the Internet. The Arianian military continues to mobilize a large force of cyber collectors, most with computer warfare and English language skills, to both collect data on internal opposition to the Arianian government and Arianian adversaries like the US or Israel.
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South Torbian intelligence analysts will utilize the power of its Internet infrastructure to conduct Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) operations. Analysts will utilize the power of the Internet to obtain key information on other nations from multiple sources to exploit vulnerabilities and advancements of militaries and industrial companies. They will conduct research to support strategic objectives by reviewing reporting from multiple media agencies to determine intentions, significant new advancements and political agendas of regional nations which may pose a threat to South Torbia.
  
 
=== Signals Intelligence ===
 
=== Signals Intelligence ===
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Arianian SIGINT programs consistently demonstrate success in combating Western communications systems, especially units that demonstrate poor OPSEC. In any case, Western countries can expect Arianian SIGINT to provide the Arianian military with useable indications and warning, capabilities assessment, and targeting intelligence. Most Arianian SIGINT operators have significant “real world” experience and capabilities in all languages of the Caucasus area of operations. In the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war, the combined Shia Internationalist Brigades/Arianian all-source intelligence effort against the Israelis provided the tactical disposition, order of battle, and tactical warning to Shia Internationalist Brigades units. Additionally, Ariana cooperates extensively with Syria in SIGINT operations.
+
South Torbian Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) assets include ground, aircraft and maritime capabilities. Even with the array of capabilities, South Torbia still relies on assistance from Western nations as part of its SIGINT program. South Torbia will use the capability against regional nations to gain an advantage to better position themselves in the event of hostilities. This capability will be used primarily for defensive purposes, but can be transitioned to the offense to assist with targeting of high payoff targets. South Torbia continues to research future capabilities such as the use of satellites to further strengthen their ability to ensure the security of the country from regional and global threats.
  
 
=== Imagery Intelligence ===
 
=== Imagery Intelligence ===
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Arianian IMINT operations utilize unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and other air-breathing platforms, such as fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. However, recent developments have indicated that Ariana has access to a government owned and operated low resolution imaging satellite (three meters). This satellite is in low earth orbit (LEO) and is believed to have a relatively short life span, approximately four months. Images received from this satellite are stored and periodically dumped  to a ground station located somewhere in Ariana. To further supplement its IMINT requirements,  the Arianian military regularly purchases commercial imagery from other countries.
+
South Torbia imagery intelligence (IMINT) collection capability maintains a fleet of air-breathing manned and UAV platforms for strategic and tactical collection, as well as an overhead space collection capability. These assets will be utilized along the international borders of South Torbia to identify any buildup of enemy forces or other threats to their stability, with additional assistance and facilitation through coalition relationships. UAVs will be utilized as a tactical collection platform along the border with North Torbia and in support of maritime security and interdiction operations. Fixed and rotary wing assets will be used as both strategic and tactical collection platforms to support national objectives.
  
 +
South Torbia maintains three dedicated military imaging satellites with electro-optical (EO) capabilities and synthetic aperture radar. In addition, South Torbia has access to multiple commercial imaging capabilities through lease agreements with indigenous satellite companies.
 
=== Measurement and Signatures Intelligence ===
 
=== Measurement and Signatures Intelligence ===
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Ariana probably maintains a basic MASINT capability, though little on this topic appears in open- source references. Given recent reports that its nuclear program was targeted by foreign-introduced malware, Ariana is expected to aggressively explore options to secure its nuclear facilities.
+
South Torbia does not have a robust MASINT capability and would need to rely on its military partners for any such information. South Torbia is currently researching ways that government could obtain more mature and advanced MASINT capabilities to counter advancements by other regional countries.
  
 
== Summary ==
 
== Summary ==
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Ariana maintains a wide range of INFOWAR capabilities, which is likely to expand further in the future. The Arianians have successfully dealt with a wide and dynamic cyber effort by internal opposition forces, which has given the country’s cyber officials a great deal of real-world experience, and they have the support of Shia Internationalist Brigades operations for external operations. Ariana will retain a large measure of control over the nation’s information environment for the foreseeable future.
+
South Torbia is a large dynamic information environment. With a wide variety of Internet and INFOWAR technology and tactics, the South Torbians are likely to leverage their capability to the utmost during a crisis. South Torbia’s mass media operates with freedom of the press, but with the defamation law, journalist must continue to use self-censorship to ensure they do not face harsh penalties from the government on adverse reporting. The Internet is the most free information sphere within South Torbia with the social media being the preferred means of expressing individual feelings without reprisal of how the government is operating with concern to the populace. South Torbia will continue to increase their INFOWAR capabilities with a shift from total cyber defense tools to a mix of defensive and offensive capabilities to defend against an ever increasing threat from regional and global entities.
  
 
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Revision as of 15:35, 23 April 2018

This page is a section of South Torbia.

The Republic of Torbia, also known as South Torbia, has a thriving and relatively free media environment, with freedom of speech and loyalty to the country.  South Torbian Information Warfare (INFOWAR) capabilities will continue to grow in both equipment and training of personnel, and will rely on Western nations to help continue the modernization of this capability.  Internet and television are state of the art and the most important form of media in South Torbia.

Satellite Telecommunications

South Torbia possesses a wide range of satellite capabilities, with most suited for dual-use by the South Torbian military. Currently, South Torbia operates eight commercial telecommunications satellites utilizing Ku-band and Ka-band transponders in a geostationary orbit, all powered by solar array panels. These commercial satellites may be used to support military operations when necessary. Additionally, the South Torbian military operates three communication satellites using Ku and C band transponders. The satellites are in a geostationary orbit powered by solar array antenna. The South Torbian government also leases Ku, L, and SHF bandwidth from commercial satellite companies that support government and military operations when necessary.

Navigation

Currently, South Torbia operates three navigation satellite systems using L-band transponders. The combined systems create a network of navigation services and provide regional coverage of the Asia-Pacific region. The three satellites are each 120° apart, in a highly inclined, slightly elliptical geosynchronous orbit. Because of this inclination, they are not geostationary, making their ground traces appear in an asymmetrical figure-eight pattern designed to ensure that one is almost directly overhead of South Torbia at all times. When necessary, South Torbian military units purchase off the shelf commercial GPS receivers for navigation support. There are currently plans to launch a fourth satellite to enhance the accuracy of the system in the near future.

Public Communications Media

South Torbia’s public communications sector was historically dominated by TV, but in recent years the Internet has made considerable inroads into this area, especially among more urban, young, and educated populations. Television, radio, and print media are developed and mature, policed by relatively soft governmental censorship. The Internet is the freest of spaces, and social media is the preferred outlet for reporting of uncensored news, along with interpersonal communication.

Internet

The Internet in South Torbia is considered excellent for the region, despite a digital divide between rural and urban areas. Planning for the future includes the upgrade of Internet broadband speed in rural areas to be raised from five megabits per second (Mbps) to 20Mbps and up to 100Mbps in urban areas after completion.  In addition, mobile phone access is increasing providing internet service for the younger generation and rural users. Despite relative Internet freedom, mockery of the government by South Torbian users can result in arrest and detention. The South Torbian government view is that as long as Internet activity does not threaten South Torbian government interests, it is allowed, but mockery or criticism is forbidden. Censorship for all media, particularly the Internet, is predominantly carried out on the orders of the Torbian Communications Standards Commission (TCSC).

Almost 43 million South Torbians, or over ninety percent of the South Torbian populace, use the Internet on a daily basis. The South Torbian populace uses the Internet at work and home for business and personal use. Social media has increased the amount of users in the past few years and will continue to gain importance as it is less regulated by the government than the web. In addition, messaging services are in demand through the Internet as well to communicate with family and friends. Additionally, free Wi-Fi is offered in over 1,500 public spaces across the country, including train stations, airports, libraries, health centers, and community centers.

The Internet in South Torbia is provided by four main Internet Service Provider (ISP). These four providers have very close associations with members of the government ensuring any future developments will remain with them. The monopolizing of the service ensures that any outside business will fail trying to enter into the Internet provider system.

Television

Television in South Torbia is the most mature and pervasive media, but with the introduction of the Internet it is slowly declining, especially among the younger generation. There are two national networks, South Torbian Broadcasting System (STBS) and Manila Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), as well as over 50 local stations that cover the entire country. The Torbian Broadcasting System (TBS) is the largest of the national networks and collects an annual licensing fee, around $40, from all television set owners. Most South Torbians subscribe to digital cable, satellite or Internet Protocol TV (IPTV).  Additionally, South Torbia has one educational broadcasting system (EBS). Approximately 15 million, or thirty percent of the populace, own a television.

Radio

South Torbia maintains a number of public and private radio broadcasters done over AM, FM, and shortwave bands. There are 61 AM, 130 FM and 2 shortwave stations operational in South Torbia. The top four radio networks are a combination of private and public broadcasters. In South Torbia, even private broadcasts have significant ownership links to the key government officials and are generally unlikely to report adverse material about the government. The introduction of Internet radio is a new source for broadcast to the populace mainly used by the younger generation.

Print Media

South Torbia maintains a remarkably large print media establishment with over 30 national and local dailies available in a variety of languages.  The South Torbian press benefits from the availability of a highly literate audience, the adult literacy rate is estimated to be over 97 percent. Many of the newspapers are owned by a conglomerate of industrial businessmen who rely on large corporations for advertising revenues. Freedom of the press and speech is guaranteed by the constitution, but a defamation law exist that provides for prison sentences and prompts self-censorship by journalist. Journalist may also face direct pressure from the government on issues or topics considered politically sensitive in nature, such as national disaster and how the government responds to the disaster.

Telephone

The telephone infrastructure in South Torbia is one of the most advanced in the region. The continued advancements in the mobile phone infrastructure with speed and dependability of services are outpacing the fixed main line infrastructure. There are currently over 30 million fixed main lines in use, these are mainly used by businesses and the government, while the home use of fixed main lines are declining in popularity. Fixed main lines are supported in the country by the use of seven submarine fiber optic cables connecting South Torbia with key regional countries, as well as satellite earth stations in major urban cities. South Torbia is slowly transitioning from fixed main line to Internet Protocol (IP) telephone infrastructure for business and government telecommunications operations.

Mobile phone subscribers in South Torbia continues to grow each year, outpacing the fixed main line subscribers. There are currently over 60 million mobile phone subscribers and subscriptions are expected to grow by five to ten percent each year. There are three main mobile phone service providers in South Torbia, with ST Telecom being the largest with over 55 percent of the business. With the younger generation relying more and more on mobile phone services to have independence and freedom to communicate whenever and wherever they want, the mobile phone industry will only continue to grow in popularity and services.

Postal/Courier

South Torbian postal and courier systems are generally well-established, reliable, and capable of moving significant amounts of freight throughout the nation. There are two types of postal facilities in South Torbia: standard post offices and the larger distribution centers. Distribution centers offer a wider range of services for businesses than standard post offices do. Along with the South Torbian national postal system, international freight providers, such as FEDEX and DHL, and local freight forwarders are well established throughout the nation.

Word of Mouth

South Torbian word-of-mouth communication is among the least important modes, similar to other advanced nations. A combination of the rise of the Internet, mature TV and radio, and widely available print media makes more traditional forms of communication increasingly obsolete. The rise of text messaging first among youth, and increasingly among much of the rest of the population, is changing the dynamics of personal interaction. Social media is becoming the preferred means of communication.

Information Control

South Torbia does not directly control the flow of information, but it still has a soft censorship program then ensures that information deemed harmful to the integrity of the government is prohibited. The populace continues to use social media to express their views of areas within the government they deem as unacceptable. The South Torbian government also requires website operators to identify if the sites they own and operate might be harmful to the younger generations of South Torbia.

INFOWAR

The country of South Torbia is among the most technologically advanced to conduct INFOWAR activities in the region due to recent upgrade of equipment and training of personnel. South Torbia continually conducts INFOWAR attacks against the regime of North Torbia in the media as one example of its capabilities. South Torbia also continues to purchase more modern INFOWAR assets to remain a viable power in the Pacific region.

Electronic Warfare

South Torbia develops and manufactures some of its Electronic Warfare (EW) equipment, but ultimately relies on more advanced nations to supply the government with the latest and most advanced capabilities on the market. South Torbia maintains a variety of sensors and jammers on ground, air and naval assets, and is slowly increasing these capacities to counter those used by the more advanced militaries in the region, such as the People’s Republic of Olvana. Training of personnel on EW assets is continuous to keep up with new advancements, while joint exercises with other nations adds an additional level of training to further develop their skills in a more realistic environment.

Computer Attack

The South Torbians are in the early stages of transitioning from a strictly cyber defense strategy to adding a cyber-attack capability. This change is in retaliation to the increase of cyber-attacks by other regional countries in the past couple of years against the South Torbian government. To meet this new capability, the government is currently training an additional 1,000 to 1,500 personnel to augment the current cyber warfare capabilities of the country. South Torbia currently relies on assistance from Western nations to help train their new personnel to counter the ever changing dynamics of cyber warfare.

Information Attack

South Torbian information attack (IA) capabilities are limited with basic skills to deface websites or engage in tactics like distributed denial of service attacks. As their cyber warfare capabilities advance South Torbia’s IA capability is likely to also advance. South Torbia currently could use their limited capabilities to initially deter a larger more sophisticated country in the region, but will rely on support from their stronger allies for longer lasting effects.

Deception

The deception tactics used by South Torbia may consist of electronic or physical capabilities, such as decoys and camouflage. South Torbia will use these capabilities to deceive and frustrate the ability of a hostile country to locate and determine the composition of South Torbian units. By using such tactics South Torbian forces gain time and space to reposition and conduct counter attacks against a hostile country.

Physical Destruction

As South Torbia continues to modernize its military it will utilize key assets to deny and destroy high value targets such as enemy INFOWAR assets and capabilities.  South Torbia will use assets such as artillery, rockets, aircraft and special purpose forces to conduct operations to allow freedom of movement and protection from enemy targeting operations.

Protection and Security Measures

South Torbia continues to train and upgrade its information systems to protect against external attacks by foreign governments and internal attacks by opposition organizations. The government has implemented a cyber defense curriculum to train future cyber soldiers with free education in key cyber fields in return for a five year service obligation. The current protection and security measures implemented by South Torbia consist of high-level encryption and firewalls to protect key information infrastructure. Another option South Torbia is researching is the closing off of vital areas of a vulnerable network to deny unauthorized access to sensitive areas, this could be accomplished on a short term or permanent basis depending on the of the vulnerability perceived. South Torbia also continues to focus training on the physical security of installations and government facilities to deny disclosure of information that could cause grave damage to the security of the country. These activities consist of training on the proper storage and accountability of classified information and those who are authorized access to such information.

Perception Management

Perception management exists as a main element of South Torbian INFOWAR, as the South Torbian government expends considerable effort to demonstrate North Torbia’s “aggression” on websites, public pronouncements, and other official media. In addition, the South Torbian government openly acknowledges its recent weapons procurements, especially those from Western nations, to demonstrate its strength and military potential to the other nations in the Pacific region.

Intelligence

South Torbia maintains a sophisticated and able intelligence apparatus that operates both at home and abroad. The Ministry of Defense Intelligence (MDI) controls all of the different intelligence disciplines both at the national and military defense level. The different intelligence disciplines are well trained and resourced to ensure that national security is not threatened. The Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) are the largest and most advanced of the disciplines, with Measurement and Signatures Intelligence (MASINT) in the research and development stages. South Torbian advancements in intelligence has been the result of training and resource support from Western allies over the past few years and will continue to improve in the future with new advancements.

Human Intelligence

The Human Intelligence (HUMINT) program in South Torbia is the most important discipline and is well established and trained. The program focuses on internal security and external threats from regional nations. The HUMINT services will continue to focus on the border region with North Torbia with the majority of its assets. The focus for internal security is on opposition groups who see the government as not supporting the needs and wants of the populace according to the groups’ stated agendas, such as reunification. These groups operate primarily in the Capitol and the northern portion of the country.

South Torbian counterintelligence services will most likely be focusing on threats from external agencies seeking to acquire information on government and military forces, as well as major industrial companies, to gain an advantage over South Torbia. The possibility exists that South Torbia may also have assets operating in other nations to gain an advantage in the event of hostilities.

Open Source Intelligence

South Torbian intelligence analysts will utilize the power of its Internet infrastructure to conduct Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) operations. Analysts will utilize the power of the Internet to obtain key information on other nations from multiple sources to exploit vulnerabilities and advancements of militaries and industrial companies. They will conduct research to support strategic objectives by reviewing reporting from multiple media agencies to determine intentions, significant new advancements and political agendas of regional nations which may pose a threat to South Torbia.

Signals Intelligence

South Torbian Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) assets include ground, aircraft and maritime capabilities. Even with the array of capabilities, South Torbia still relies on assistance from Western nations as part of its SIGINT program. South Torbia will use the capability against regional nations to gain an advantage to better position themselves in the event of hostilities. This capability will be used primarily for defensive purposes, but can be transitioned to the offense to assist with targeting of high payoff targets. South Torbia continues to research future capabilities such as the use of satellites to further strengthen their ability to ensure the security of the country from regional and global threats.

Imagery Intelligence

South Torbia imagery intelligence (IMINT) collection capability maintains a fleet of air-breathing manned and UAV platforms for strategic and tactical collection, as well as an overhead space collection capability. These assets will be utilized along the international borders of South Torbia to identify any buildup of enemy forces or other threats to their stability, with additional assistance and facilitation through coalition relationships. UAVs will be utilized as a tactical collection platform along the border with North Torbia and in support of maritime security and interdiction operations. Fixed and rotary wing assets will be used as both strategic and tactical collection platforms to support national objectives.

South Torbia maintains three dedicated military imaging satellites with electro-optical (EO) capabilities and synthetic aperture radar. In addition, South Torbia has access to multiple commercial imaging capabilities through lease agreements with indigenous satellite companies.

Measurement and Signatures Intelligence

South Torbia does not have a robust MASINT capability and would need to rely on its military partners for any such information. South Torbia is currently researching ways that government could obtain more mature and advanced MASINT capabilities to counter advancements by other regional countries.

Summary

South Torbia is a large dynamic information environment. With a wide variety of Internet and INFOWAR technology and tactics, the South Torbians are likely to leverage their capability to the utmost during a crisis. South Torbia’s mass media operates with freedom of the press, but with the defamation law, journalist must continue to use self-censorship to ensure they do not face harsh penalties from the government on adverse reporting. The Internet is the most free information sphere within South Torbia with the social media being the preferred means of expressing individual feelings without reprisal of how the government is operating with concern to the populace. South Torbia will continue to increase their INFOWAR capabilities with a shift from total cyber defense tools to a mix of defensive and offensive capabilities to defend against an ever increasing threat from regional and global entities.

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