The CCDCOE Cyber Commanders’ Handbook 2 is a practical guide designed to support commanders and decision-makers in understanding, integrating, and employing cyber capabilities within multi-domain operations. It outlines key concepts, planning considerations, organisational structures, and real-world challenges relevant to cyberspace operations at the operational and strategic levels. The handbook bridges the gap between technical cyberspace expertise and military command decision-making, enabling leaders to make informed choices in complex and contested digital environments.
The Cyber Commanders’ Handbook 2 has been developed in close cooperation with subject matter experts from national cyber commands and other relevant national and NATO entities. Building on the foundation of Version 1, the concept, structure, and content were shaped through a series of workshops and written contributions. This collaborative process gathered expert insight, best practices, and real-life lessons learned to ensure the handbook’s relevance and practical value for its target audience. The final version incorporates feedback and comments from all contributors.
Reflecting the evolving landscape of national cyber commands, doctrine, and operations, the handbook addresses the rapidly changing nature of cyberspace. While not a formal NATO doctrine, it is widely referenced across the Alliance and CCDCOE member nations as a trusted resource on cyberspace and for integrating cyber operations into military planning.
Digital copies
A digital copy of the handbook is available to CCDCOE Member Nations upon request and can be obtained through the national steering committee point of contact or by contacting publications@ccdcoe.org using a government email address.
Foreword
In our increasingly interconnected world, the IT systems and critical infrastructure that underpin our societies have become frequent targets for cyber exploitation. The systems that sustain our daily lives are under constant threat, and the potential consequences are more severe than ever. Cyberspace represents both an opportunity and a risk, providing adversaries with new avenues to disrupt national security and economic prosperity. This complexity means we must use our limited resources efficiently to respond swiftly and effectively.
Recent conflicts have highlighted cyberspace as a critical operational domain. We are increasingly seeing cyber capabilities used in geopolitical competition, hybrid warfare, and conflict. Cyberspace operations are no longer limited to espionage or disruption – they are now employed as weapons at every level to shape battlespaces. The ability to operate effectively in cyberspace is becoming a decisive factor in modern conflict, making preparedness and agility more essential than ever.
The Cyber Commanders’ Handbook 2 is an essential resource for anyone working in the cyberspace domain. It serves as a reference for those working in or alongside cyber commands, as well as for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of cyberspace operations. By compiling ideas and concepts from an international perspective, the handbook offers guidance on building, leading, and operating within this domain.
Cyberspace is a dual use technology, predominantly owned and operated by private industry, which raises a unique question: How do we integrate civilian expertise and infrastructure to assure missions? Civil-military collaboration will be critical as we prepare for emerging threats and future technologies that will reshape the operational landscape. This requires developing robust partnerships and fostering cyber awareness in everyday planning, activities, and operations.
The Cyber Commanders’ Handbook is an international reference for cyberspace. I commend it to you. Cyberspace is a domain of both opportunity and challenge, and those who adapt to the ever changing environment will define its future.
Ana L Duncan, AM, CSC
Major General
Commander Cyber Command
December 2024
Australian Defence Force