NCJ Number
113310
Journal
Security Management Volume: 32 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1988) Pages: 56-60
Date Published
1988
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Because terrorism activities frequently have a symbolic component, conspicuous computer sites often become targets for bombings and other acts of physical destruction.
Abstract
The Philips Data Systems facility in Toulouse, France and the Belfast Cooperative Society, Ltd., in Ireland have both been the targets of repeated attacks by politically motivated terrorist groups. In Italy, the Red Brigade carried out bombing attacks against at least 10 computer centers between 1976 and 1978. So far, terrorists have bombed and otherwise attacked over 600 computer facilities worldwide, often citing computer technology as an instrument of class repression directed by technical-military personnel. In addition to bombings, arson, and physical destruction of programs, and data, left-wing publications have recommended a variety of methods for sabotaging computer facilities such as causing extreme temperatures by disabling the air conditioning, placing hydrochloric acid in front of induction pipes of the ventilation system, or interfering with the electrical power station. The results of some of these attacks have been far-reaching, as in Japan where terrorist attacks disabled the automated train system during morning rush hour. Terrorist attacks on computers represent a threat that will continue to grow as businesses and governments become more dependent on computers' continued operation.