While invention of computers is definitely a boon, terrorism is a curse on humanity. Computer and Terrorism have given rise to cyber terrorism in which terrorists make extensive use of computers to carry on with their dreadful activities. Terrorists are even coming up with personalized terrorist sites. In fact cyber terrorism is a new form of international terrorism. Computer, along with its internet connection has the capability of exploring the universe and can gather valuable information. This is one of the primary reasons why computers are increasingly being used by terrorists.
Terrorists increasingly are using the Internet as a means of communication both with each other and the rest of the world. By now, nearly everyone has seen at least some images from propaganda videos published on terrorist sites and rebroadcasted on the world’s news networks. Western governments have intensified surveillance of such sites but their prosecution of site operators is hampered by concerns over civil liberties, the internet’s inherent anonymity and other factors.
Definition of Cyber Terrorism:
The FBI defined cyber terrorism as “The premeditated, politically motivated attack against information, computer systems, computer programs, and data which result in violence against noncombatant targets by sub-national groups or clandestine agents”.
The greatest advantage of the internet is stealth. Terrorists have developed sophisticated encryption tools and creative techniques that make the internet an efficient and relatively secure means of correspondence. These include steganography, a technique used to hide messages in graphic files and “dead dropping”: transmitting information through saved email drafts in an online email account accessible to anyone with the password. The Internet also provides a global pool of potential recruits and donors. Online terrorist fundraising has become so commonplace that some organizations are able to accept donations via the popular online payment service PayPal.
Are there any prominent online terrorists?
Among the most infamous figures to emerge from the world of online terrorism in recent years is “Irhaby 007” (“Terrorist 007”). As a SITE Institute profile explains, Irhaby 007 was celebrated by other online terrorists for his hacking prowess and his ability to securely distribute information. With his assistance, terrorist organizations around the globe were able to expand the reach of their message. Irhaby 007 passed this knowledge along to other online Jihadis through web postings such as his “Seminar for Hacking Websites,” creating a network of techno-savvy terrorist disciples. In October 2005, Scotland Yard officers in West London arrested 22-year-old Younis Tsouli, whom they later identified as Irhaby 007. Tsouli is awaiting trial on charges that include conspiracy to murder and terrorist undraising.
Another prominent online terrorist is Abu Maysarah al-Iraqi, who has served as the media representative for al-Qaeda in Iraq leader Zarqawi. Al-Iraqi goes online to claim responsibility for acts of terrorism, post propaganda videos, and issue statements on behalf of Zarqawi, though experts say it is unclear whether Al- Iraqi is just one person or several using the same name. There is some debate within the counterterrorism community about how to combat terrorist sites. “The kneejerk reaction is if you see a terrorist site you shut it down, but doing so can cause investigators to miss out on a wealth of valuable information.”You can see who’s posting what and who’s paying for it” .For instance, German officials monitoring online chatter issued early warnings prior to the Madrid train bombings in March 2004.
Unfortunately, one cannot learn how to fight this very unconventional warfare from someone who hasn’t been there, nor from someone whose experience is in the old ways and old technologies. The old data processing, auditing, and computer security models in use today are obsolete. On this battlefield, against this weapon, the terrorist is already far ahead. The building of a counter-Cyber Terrorist team must be real-time and dynamic, as the weapons will continually change, to morph, in an attempt to beat you, your systems, and your people. There is no re-machining, and unlike other terrorists, if the Cyber Terrorist loses today, he does not die - he learns what did not work, and will use that information against you tomorrow.
Ankit is a B. Tech (IT) graduate from JIIT Noida. He is a tech wiz by heart but gets little time to pursue such interests because now he is either looking after un-important IMF activities or winning random bets with fellow IIFT-K students. In between such busy moments, he finds time to write a couple of articles for Techtonix.
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