The art of cyber war: Sun Tzu’s ancient wisdom in modern threat intelligence
Abstract
This paper explores the enduring relevance of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, written in the 5th century bc, to modern cyber security practices. It examines how the ancient strategist’s principles can be applied to enhance threat intelligence and cyber defence strategies in the digital landscape. The paper discusses five key principles from Sun Tzu’s work: knowing oneself and the enemy, the use of deception, winning without combat, the importance of speed and adaptability, and the use of alliances. Each principle is contextualised within current cyber security challenges and illustrated with real-world examples and case studies. The paper emphasises the critical importance of making cyber threat intelligence more accessible and actionable. It concludes by highlighting the enduring value of combining timeless strategic wisdom with cutting-edge technology to create more robust and effective cyber defences. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.
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Author's Biography
Lior Arbel is an accomplished cyber security leader and strategist who has dedicated his career to revolutionising how organisations approach digital defence in an increasingly complex threat landscape. With over 25 years’ experience in the cyber security sector, he has established himself as a thought leader who champions data-driven security approaches and challenges conventional wisdom. Throughout his career, Lior has specialised in developing and implementing innovative security frameworks that prioritise measurable outcomes over superficial compliance. His expertise spans threat detection and response, security architecture and risk management, with a particular focus on helping organisations move beyond ‘cyber security theatre’ to implement meaningful security measures that deliver tangible results. As a strategic adviser and leader, Lior has guided numerous organisations through significant security transformations, consistently emphasising evidence-based decision making and practical security measures. His methodologies have helped organisations across various sectors optimise their security investments and achieve demonstrable improvements in their security capabilities. A frequent speaker at industry conferences and contributor to cyber security publications, Lior shares his insights on emerging threats and effective security practices. He is passionate about mentoring the next generation of security professionals and promoting a more pragmatic, results-oriented approach to cyber security that aligns with business objectives while providing genuine protection against evolving threats.
