Cyber Terrorism

Introduction

The merging of terrorism and cyberspace is known as cyber terrorism. It refers to unauthorised assaults and threats against computer systems, networks, and the information stored on them that are carried out to intimidate or compel a government or its citizens in the pursuit of political or social goals. 

• Terrorists instil fear by disrupting and crippling computer systems on a massive scale, damaging networks and key infrastructure, and utilising various tools such as viruses, trojans, malware, and other malware to achieve their political goals. 

• This is the most popular or classic definition of cyber terrorism. 

• Furthermore, for an attack to be classified as cyberterrorism, it must result in violence against individuals or property, or at the very least create enough harm to cause fear. 

• Explosions, injury or death, or serious economic damage are all types of attacks. Depending on the impact, serious strikes against critical facilities could be considered acts of cyberterrorism. 

• It’s critical to distinguish between cyberterrorism and “hacktivism,” a word coined by academics to describe the combination of hacking and political engagement. 

• Virtual blockades, email attacks, hacking and computer break-ins, and computer viruses and worms are the four basic weapons at hacktivists’ disposal.