Abstract
This paper takes a look at data security, an extremely serious issue in today's technological world. The paper discusses how data security is perhaps the most vital component in any business or industry desiring to retain a secure and advantageous position in the market.

Contents:
Introduction
Data Security Breaches: Attacks and Counterattacks
Attacks
Counterattacks and Features
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Backups and CDs where the confidential files are saved have become one of the favorite attacking and breeding grounds for crackers because if these backups are updated on the deletions but include all the latest versions being used, then the hacking or access to these backups could be more fatal. A factor leading this trend is the increased security in the server database (Committee on Computing and Communications, 2005). Another important thing to note is that tangible backups kept by a company are far more easier to reach and thus at risk to being stolen by crackers in order to get hold of the sensitive data; which is why their security is as important as software and data stored on the computer. In addition, eavesdropping, i.e. interfering and interpreting encrypting data during its transfer, and its decoding, is emerging as another highly utilized hacking application. Another most common hacking application used currently is to construct a decoy website for an evidently "account information" renewal, a.k.a. as "Phishing" that can easily turn out to be a trap a hole to get into the system and acquire data (Committee on Computing and Communications, 2005). "

Tags:security, breach, decryption, key, secure, file, transfer

Abstract
This paper calls for the need for a clear definition of what does and does not constitute a cyber crime. Supporting paragraphs illustrate some of the difficulties that authorities have to face while trying to apprehend cyber criminals. The paper also deals with the need for governmental agencies to coordinate their efforts with the international community to increase their efficiency.

From the Paper
"With the advent of new computer technologies, entire virtual infrastructures were created in order to support, and often command physical infrastructures, thereby saving time, and manpower. Critical public sectors such as traffic lights, river dams, and power grids are only some examples of the major areas that can be affected should they be hacked into by a malicious program. A person can only imagine a situation where all ongoing traffic lights of a city suddenly turn green simultaneously, or the U.S. electrical grid shutting down, leaving hundreds of millions without power. Although the government possesses some of the most extensive and powerful ways at their disposal to fight off cyber attacks, they are very slow to make administrative changes, thereby leaving them vulnerable. A great deal of time is spent upon the decision making process, and reaching an agreement on all levels of state and federal governments."

Tags:internet, crime, national, security

Abstract
This paper examines how cyber terrorism and hacking have become perpetual threats to national security and economy and how they exist in so many different forms that it is difficult to place them under one specific category. The one thing common in all such crimes is use of computer, which acts as a shield between the criminal and victim, thus protecting the former from immediate detection for possible arrest or prosecution. It looks at how the government, along with intelligence agencies and FBI, is trying to control and protect data available on the most critical networks, including those of the military, and how, although cyber terrorism presents a clear and present danger, with effective measures we can control the possibility of cyber attack, and even if one occurs, our security measures should be designed to help us recover the loss easily and without long-term negative consequences.

From the Paper
"Even before the September 11 attacks, intelligence agencies had alerted the nation of the imminent danger from a new breed of terrorist known as cyber-terrorists. President Bush warned the nation that, "American forces ale overused and under funded precisely when they are confronted by a host of new threats and challenges--the spread of weapons of mass destruction, the rise of cyber terrorism, the proliferation of missile technology." Cyber terrorism in simpler words is terrorism carried out with technologically advanced means where networks play an important role as terrorist illegal gain access to confidential information. This breed of terrorists is certainly more menacing than the ones we had hitherto been trying to root out. Cyber terrorism is dangerous because catching the criminal is a daunting task and because access to sensitive data can wreak havoc as once a person enters a database, it takes a while to detect intrusion and takes even longer to block access."

Tags:9/11, fbi, intelligence, data, military, national, security

Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses various recent cyber-security breaches in the USA. The paper discusses each event, the method used to breach the cyber-security and the response. The paper focuses primarily on the case of Moonlight Maze, one of the most infamous cyber-attacks which occurred in the late 1990s.

From the Paper
"The hackers were apparently working from a location in Russia, though this could not be definitively established due to the nature of the infiltration. All that is known for certain is that the hack into Department of Defense computers had been going on for more than a year and that it is entirely unclear how much information was made off with during that time. This is due in part to the fact that in addition to raiding information directly from the Pentagon, the hackers also used that point of entry to enter other sensitive systems throughout the US government. These included networks at nuclear research labs associated with the Energy Department, NASA, and numerous university research facilities (Drogin, 1999). Investigators reiterate that the attackers obtained no known classified information, but the general uncertainty surrounding Moonlight Maze makes this claim dubious at best."

Tags:infiltrations, sensitive, cyber-attack, computer, system, security, breach, hacker, russia

Abstract
This paper examines how computers can be used as tools by terrorists and how terrorists can target computers and computer networks in acts of terrorism. The paper contends that the information technology revolution has made both public and private sector computer systems and networks more vulnerable to attacks. It also asserts that the increased dependence on computer systems also makes cyber-terrorism a more menacing threat.

Outline:
Introduction
Cyber-Terrorism
The Threat posed by Cyber-Terrorism
Devastating Potential Consequences of Cyber-Terrorism in the Wake of the Information Technology Revolution
Securing the Nation Against Cyber-Terrorism
Conclusion

From the Paper
"According to Theofrastous (2003) the conventional threats associated with attacks to America's IT infrastructure are well-known. However, there are now more sophisticated threats that involve the attacking of the IT infrastructure using unconventional means (Theofrastous 2003). The author points out that from an e-commerce standpoint, the new IT structure involves both business to consumer and business to business contexts (Theofrastous 2003). These contexts have encouraged the establishment of standardization in several important areas including the authentication of electronic transaction and antifraud measures (Theofrastous 2003). "

Tags:internet, email, hacking, it

Abstract
This paper explains that the most importance of the computers to the terrorists is less in hacking and more in recording their financial ledgers, target lists, attack plans and names of co-conspirators as in the case of Ramzi Yousef, who was the mastermind of the World Trade Center bombing. The author explains that cyber terrorism is expected in the air traffic system because the air traffic control system all over the world are well computerized; however, this fear ignores the fact that these computers do not directly control the aircraft, but act as mere aids to the human controller. The paper discusses the vulnerability of the electrical energy systems, gas and oil pipelines under the SCADAS or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems and of the Defense computer systems, which have had many attacks that have not led to any degradation of the capabilities of the US military.

From the Paper
"Yet the problem is not so simple, and the US government has very little power in this regard. This was seen when the Chairman and Vice Chairman regarding critical infrastructure met the President. They had been informed by Finland that researchers had found a serious deficiency in the Internet's standard language for sending data through the switches. The concerned government team had found this to be a threat for air traffic control and military phone links, among other threats. This led to the critical infrastructure board and the homeland security office asking private organizations whether they would tell the government the names of people working in those sites. The FBI can only collect the names of bank employees, but is unable to take action in other industries."

Tags:al-qaeda, laptop, air-traffic, language, defense

Abstract
This in-depth paper looks at way in which the Internet can be used for terrorist activities. It produces evidence that the FBI has of such attacks that have already been perpetrated and lists examples. The paper also looks at different types of attacks such as worms, viruses, unauthorized attacks, falling sites, 'pingings' and more. It reveals who are the main players in this "game", both groups and individuals.

From the Paper
"It has been called "information war" or "cyber terrorism" -- the capability to let loose terror and destruction with a few well-aimed clicks on a computer keyboard. Although it is an unusual and a potentially lethal subject, the public does not know very much about it. However, experts in and around the country, to the top level of the federal government, are taking it seriously.
The FBI defines terrorism as the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives. Cyber-terrorism can be the use of computing assets to threaten or force others. An example of cyber-terrorism could be hacking into a hospital computer system and changing someone's medicine prescription to a lethal dosage as an act of revenge. It sounds far fetched, but these things can and do happen. Cyber terrorism has also been defined as "the use of computing resources against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives."1."

Tags:misinformation, hacking, intrusion, hoax, attack, manipulation

Abstract
In this article the writer studies conflicting opinions on whether an "electronic Pearl Harbor" is a real threat to computer usage. The writer examines the issue of computer security. The overstatement of computer viruses is examined in this paper. The writer concludes that an 'electronic Pearl Harbor' attack is unlikely.

From the Paper
"When Pearl Harbor was bombed, the enemy's trump card was the element of surprise. That added to the heinous nature of the vicious attack on a peaceful harbor raised the ire of millions around the world. The enemy was subsequently soundly defeated but the fear instilled in the hearts of many by that surprise vicious attack has never been completely erased. The possibility of another Pearl Harbor has never been far from their thoughts. In 'Alvin and Heidi' Toffler wrote ... "

Tags:electronic Pearl Harbor, cyber war, computer virus

Abstract
On the morning of December 7, 1941, the United States suffered the worst surprise attack it had ever encountered in its prestigious military history. Now, over 60 years later, many experts believe that America is once again in danger of a crippling ambush, this time on the digital front instead of the military. The paper argues that in an age of networking and connectivity, the United States has yet to put up a unified cyber-defense, to protect against the many hacking threats from terrorists and others seeking to harm the nation. The paper shows that in order to ensure its security, America needs to tighten its digital defenses and present a strong deterrent to potential attackers, just as it has done in its military engagements.

From the Paper
"Many cyberterrorism scenarios seem unrealistic and impractical, such as a group of hackers seizing control of power grids and shutting them down for extended periods of time. While this has proved to be difficult, exercise "Zenith Star" was very successful at disrupting local communications and jamming up emergency networks such as 911 (Adams). This could open the door for physical terrorism within a city that is also under a digital attack, rendering it unable to respond to whatever damages the terrorists may have planned."

Tags:Moonlight, Maze, NASA, FBI, Homeland, Security

Abstract
This paper examines how there is a revolution and evolution taking place in the way war can be fought and shows how technology in the information age is being used to fight wars through new and developing means. It shows how both the English and American governments take the threat seriously and have organised departments and agencies, which investigate reports of cyber terrorism. It also talks about information warfare in general and in the Middle East.

Outline
Introduction
Chapter One: Literature Review
Information Society and the New Forms of War
Definitions of Information Warfare
The Future of Modern Warfare
Chapter Two: Research Question
Why and How is Information Warfare Being Used in the Middle East?Chapter Three: Methodology and Methods
Chapter Four: DATA
Tools Used
Hackers Broke into Hezbollah Sites Placing Israel Flags
Palestinian Hackers Took Out Netvision an ISP
Israeli Supporters and Attacks
Palestinian Supporters and Attacks
166 Israeli Sites and 34 Palestinian Attacked by Dec 2000
Palestinians Sent To and Sent Offensive Images
First Worm / Virus Used by the Palestinians
Analysis of Main Types of Attacks
Chapter Five: Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Amongst the various different methods they tried to use, they used the Internet to publicise their plight of governmental oppression, and mistreatment, to enlist the international sanctions applied to the Mexican Government. The government relented into giving the indigenous people back their lands and allowing them to form back into the tribes that they wanted to go to. They used the Internet in a positive manner and gained international support. Where as the Israeli and Palestinian factions that use the Internet have now used "Hacktivism" to attack websites and each other via the use of website graffiti, denial of service attacks and propaganda websites in a cyber-war."

Tags:bombs, computer, dos, graffiti, hacking, horses, identity, virus