Terrorism And Cyberterrorism: The Dangers Of Cyber Terrorism

The term “cyberterrorism” refers to the use of the Internet as a medium in which an attack can be launched such as hacking into electrical grids, security systems, and private information networks. Over the past four decades, cyber-terrorists have been using the Internet as an advanced communications tool in which to quickly spread and organize their members and resources. For instance, by using the instantaneous spread of information provided by the Internet, several terrorist’s groups have been able to quickly share information, coordinate attacks, spread propaganda, raise funds, and find new recruits for their cause. Instantaneous and unpredictable, the technological advantages these terrorists have obtained from using the Internet includes

In other words, cyber-terrorists use the net to cause real world harm to a noncombatant target in order to advance an individual’s or an organization’s religious and/or political goals. Although, the threat of cyberterrorism had yet to become an immediate danger to the general population, it does possess the potential to shut down an entire country. The reason cyber terrorism has become so dangerous to the general community and to government agencies is the ability cyber-terrorists have to shut down all of the major systems that people depend on, including the water system and the banking system (Harris,

Although, once the site has been pulled down, investigators miss out on the opportunity to obtain valuable information and shutting down the website would just be a temporary solution. According to counter terrorist experts, the only way to completely stop a terrorist website is to apprehend its webmaster (creator). The first step to capturing a webmaster is to monitor their online activities in order to discover their identity and location. However, several governments have received oppositions from supporters of free speech and those who believe the monitoring capabilities of their government violates their right to