👉 A provider weapon is a type of cyber weapon or offensive tool designed by a third-party entity, often a nation-state or non-state actor, to disrupt, degrade, or destroy the critical infrastructure of another party. Unlike traditional military hardware, provider weapons are typically software-based and exploit vulnerabilities in digital systems to achieve their objectives. These can include malware, ransomware, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, or other forms of cyber espionage and sabotage. The goal is to cause significant operational, economic, or social disruption without necessarily engaging in direct physical conflict, making them a potent and covert means of exerting influence or coercion in the digital realm.
