Abstract The paper examines one unique facet of terrorism, cyberterrorism, as a threat to national sovereignty. The paper contends that information and communication technologies (ICTs) provide potentially invaluable tools for the aims of cyberterrorism, and constitute a vulnerability before the independence of the modern state. The paper discusses the extent of that vulnerability, and identifies areas worthy of further examination.
Introduction
Thesis
Worst Case Scenario
How Cyberterrorism Will Impact Sovereignty
Recruitment to Terrorist Ideologies
Propaganda/Deliberate Misinformation
Attack(s) On Critical Infrastructure
Sovereign Borders Support Terrorism
Extent of Vulnerability/Risks to Sovereignty
Conclusion
From the Paper " Cybercrime is not necessarily cyberterrorism. One must resist the temptation to sensationalize criminal acts that involve computer hardware or software with this term. Cybercrime is not necessarily cyberterrorism; criminal activity conducted for financial/personal or some other benefit. Cyberterrorism and other terrorism-based activities are measured in terms of loss (physical, emotional, life) rather than gain. The distinction between the two terms is an important one, and the waters of clarity are often muddied by media reporting and attempted sensationalism. Circulation and viewing audiences will react with increased interest when the term 'cyberterrorism' is invoked. It is difficult to resist the temptation to sensationalize criminal acts that involve computer hardware or software with the term 'cyberterrorism'."
Abstract The paper defines warfare and offers a distinction between cyberwar and cyberterrorism. The paper suggests that cyberwar is a strategic initiative that can only be waged by a government or structured political-military establishment while cyberterrorism is a low intensity action that can be waged by anyone that has knowledge of information technology. The paper discusses how it is more likely that cyberterrorism would be the weapon of war for the cyberbattlefield since it is cheaper to implement and single individuals could be deployed all over the world to initiate their individual cyberattacks or engage in a concerted effort.
From the Paper "It is the harsh and unfortunate reality that the history of mankind relates to the history of warfare and violence. Prehistoric men used sticks and stones to conquer neighboring tribes and in the same manner, these weapons were used to hunt and forage for food. With the discovery of fire, mankind was able to cook the food hunted and gathered while also keeping warm on cold nights. But still, fire was used as a weapon of warfare when sticks, stones and strings were brought together to form the spears and the bows and arrows. Fire was used with these implements to ensure maximum damage to the opponents thus ensuring victory to the more innovative combatant. Throughout the centuries, various weapons of warfare that maximizes destruction of adversaries were invented by man - gunpowder, the cannon, various types of guns and rifles and of course the nuclear bomb."
Tags: warfare, computer, networks, infrastructure, Russia, Estonia
Abstract This paper will argue that, despite the undeniable media appeal of the idea of cyberterrorism, its impact is minimal in contemporary society. As will be seen, although criminal activities are widespread on the Internet, none to date have had the global impact of physical, real-world terrorist acts. This being said, there is a high probability of cyberterrorism becoming a very real fact of life in the wired, broadband global village of the twenty-first century.
Abstract This paper examines computer security as a critical factor for the success of any corporation. The degree of crimes that can occur through computers and through the Internet are examined to prove just how serious the issue at hand is. Installing the appropriate security software on the network is costly, but the paper proves that considering the cost of having a hacker access the corporation's plans, financial records, and/or the credit card numbers of customers, it is well worth the price.
From the Paper "Cyberterorrism, information warfare, and economic espionage are looked into to prove the disasters that could be awaiting corporations and governemnts worldwide. Cyberspace is the latest arena for crime; and hacking is one of those crimes. Several examples are given, as well as "a group of hackers testified before Congress stating that better security is needed because a sophisticated hacker could disable the global network in less than 30 minutes and keep it that way for days. A Swedish hacker jammed the 911 emergency phone system in Florida. A Russian hacker transferred $3.7 million from Citibank in New York to numerous accounts around the world. Teenage hackers broke into the Pentagon's computer system and took software that is used to track military satellites. A hacker altered phone switches so that calls placed to a phone-sex line in New York were routed to a Florida county probation department""
Tags: technology, firewalls, hackers, cyberterrorism, security, crime, internet
Abstract This paper examines the specific uses of computers in law enforcement in local, state, and federal governments. It describes different modern technologies that these governments are using for greater protection and security.
From the Paper "Presently, it is hard to come across any personal, business or private sector that is not set up or administered by computers as a means of protection, security or organization. The subsequent paragraphs will include examples, details, and facts in part how computers play a key role of importance in the criminal justice field. Computers intertwine within the criminal justice field in such areas dealing with all levels of government and law enforcement in private, local, state and federal levels."
Abstract This paper examines technological terrorism and their use of weapons of mass destruction. It discusses specific cases where the weapons have been used and the vulnerabilities of places in the United States if terrorists decided to attack. The paper specifically looks at the vulnerabilities that include the energy and information technology sectors.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Aum Shinrikyo
Technological Terrorism
U.S. Vulnerability to Technological Terrorism
The Threat of Nuclear Terrorism
Biological and Chemical Terrorism
Cyberterrorism Summary
From the Paper "The turn of the Millennium was quite uneventful in terms of problems with information technology. Various experts predicted catastrophes when the year 2000 arrived if computer systems were not updated to handle the time change. Whether this was a myth or the computer technicians did so well preparing for the Millennium is difficult to determine. Nevertheless, it raised awareness to the vulnerabilities of the information era. Cyberterrorists could shut down key institutions such as economic or energy delivering institutions. These could raise considerable fear, which in itself could prevent people from using their technology. Governments are aware of these issues and have addressed them to varying degrees."
Abstract The paper refers to the September 11, 2001 terror attacks to show how the terrorism today is characterized by increased sophistication, mainly in terms of technology and communications. The paper then discusses the counterterrorism process that likewise must involve communications and communications-related technologies as well as human resources. The paper emphasizes that by understanding the political and ideological motives behind terrorist groups and their methods, Americans can be prepared to address possible solutions and their efficacy in a wide range of scenarios.
From the Paper "Terrorism reached a new low the morning of September 11, 2001 when perpetrators used three hijacked commercial jets as weapons of mass destruction. Yet terrorists had been plotting against the United States and its allies long before that date and continue to plague freedom-loving citizens of the world. What the events of September 11 marked was the beginning of a new war on terror, a new definition of warfare that would rely less on traditional battlefronts and more and more on technology and advanced intelligence-gathering. The terrorist attacks of September 11 also brought to attention the severity of the threat that fundamentalist Islam had been posing for decades. Until September 11, 2001 that threat had been underestimated or at least it had been in the mainstream media. The new terrorism is characterized by increased sophistication, mainly in terms of technology and communications."
