Digital cultural heritage in the crossfire of conflict: cyber threats and cybersecurity perspectives - Insights

Abstract:  In the digital age, the preservation of digital cultural heritage faces unforeseen vulnerabilities during conflicts. This article dismantles the illusion of invulnerability in digital repositories and digital archives, revealing their susceptibility to warfare through historical examples and contemporary challenges. The Second World War serves as an example of physical assault on cultural heritage, prompting concerns about potential digital cultural genocide. The recent digital attacks on St. Louis Public Library and France’s TV5MONDE serve as examples of malicious assaults on digital cultural heritage. Information warfare, nation-state conflicts, ethnic and cultural suppression and other reasons emerge as potential threats to these digital infrastructures and resources. Beyond vulnerabilities, cybersecurity threats and digital inequality pose significant challenges. Conflict zones also face their own infrastructural challenges. Strategies for resilience are reviewed and suggestions for amendments follow, advocating for a holistic approach that integrates digital and tangible preservation methods, responsible technological advancements, community involvement and international collaboration. The article concludes by emphasizing that a nuanced and comprehensive approach to cultural heritage preservation is required during conflicts. Libraries are positioned as stewards of knowledge, advocating for the protection of our shared cultural legacy amidst fragility and times of conflict.