Cyberterrorism

Cyberterrorism is the use of Internet-based attacks in terrorist activities, including acts of deliberate, large-scale disruption of computer networks, especially of personal computers attached to the Internet, by the means of tools such as computer viruses.

Pronunciation

Cyberterrorism: /ˌsaɪ.bərˈter.ər.ɪ.zəm/

Etymology

The term "Cyberterrorism" is a compound word derived from the words "cyber", relating to or characteristic of the culture of computers, information technology, and virtual reality, and "terrorism", the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.

Definition

Cyberterrorism can be defined as the use of information technology by terrorist groups and individuals to further their agenda. This can include use of information technology to organize and execute attacks against networks, computer systems and telecommunications infrastructures, or for exchanging information or making threats electronically. Examples are hacking into computer systems, introducing viruses to vulnerable networks, web site defacing, denial-of-service attacks, or terroristic threats made via electronic communication.

Related Terms

• Cybersecurity
• Cyber warfare
• Computer crime
• Information warfare
• Internet security
• Network security

See Also

• Cyber attack
• Cyber espionage
• Cybercrime
• Cyber threat
• Cyberwar

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