NCJ Number
190400
Journal
Jane's Terrorism & Security Monitor Dated: August 2001 Pages: 4-6
Editor(s)
Afzal Khan
Date Published
August 2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article examined the global threat of cyber-terrorism due to the explosive growth of the Internet and its accessibility to cyber-terrorists.
Abstract
With the increased growth of the Internet, the threat of potential devastating attacks on wired nations' military and economic infrastructure also increases. The Internet is seen as giving the disaffected around the world a chance to target their "oppressors" with the U.S. government on the top of the list. The United States is increasingly concerned about a potential "electronic" Pearl Harbor. The United States had seemed to be acutely aware of its vulnerabilities since 1997. The Pentagon's biggest concern was identified as the hackability of its weapons systems. In 1998, the National Infrastructure Protection Center (NIPC) was established as the focal point for gathering information on threats and coordinating the Government's response. The article provided additional discussion on the Palestinian hackers and their politically motivated cyber-terrorist attacks. The accessibility of inexpensive, high-powered PCs with powerful algorithms and computer communication, coupled with the Internet have leveled the playing field for terrorists. The problem for governments is that terrorists also have access to advanced technology. The need is seen for the West to narrow the gap between itself and Third World misery in order to reduce their technological prowess.