Essay - Computer Terrorism According to Weimann, 'No Single Instance of Real...

Computer Terrorism

According to Weimann, "no single instance of real cyberterrorism has been recorded" and the threat is real but probably exaggerated. Cyberterrorism includes *****s of hacking in***** closed systems including the computerized ***** that help operate public works operations like hydroelectric dams or nuclear power facilities. Similarly, breaking into ***** FBI or other governmental organization's systems is classified as cyberterror*****m. Cyberterrorism can also target private enterprise and may be politically, ideologically, or financially motivated.

Computer viruses also constitute acts ***** cyberterror because a virus c*****n disable a critical system. Most small and large-scale infrastructure in the Western world depends on information technology and therefore ***** is a genuine *****nd potentially grave concern. Weimann notes that cyberterrorism ***** the potential to become a valuable tool for international terrorist groups like Al Qaeda.

Angst over the threat of cyberterrorism grew during the 1990s when Internet use soared. Weimann claims that the term ***** is value-laden, evoking fears of both unfamiliar technology and of terrorist attacks. Especially since September 11, cyberterrorist has ***** a buzzword in ***** media. Counterterrorism units have focused on computer terrorism and funneled funds *****to fighting cyberterrorism. Weimann implies that media exaggerations ***** cyberterrorism may themselves be financially motivated and in fact states ***** combatting cyberterrorism is an "economically rewarding" industry. Weim*****n remains especially concerned about the consequences of media mismanagement of the counterterrorism threat.

***** ***** the strengths of Weimann's analysis is ***** author's definition ***** terms and clarification of different types of *****. For example, Weimann describes "hacktivism" as a politically-motivated project that can include "virtual blockades; e-mail *****; hacking and computer break-ins; and computer viruses ***** worms." The "I LOVE YOU" virus that spread in 2000 is a high-profile example of *****, which according to ***** ***** not cyberterrorism. Hacking, the apolitical counterpart of hacktivism, is also not necessarily a form of terrorism. However, cyberterrorists often use hacking as a ********** of terrorism.

Terrorists may be tempted to ***** computer attacks for several reasons including the following. First, ***** ***** be relatively inexpensive. Second, terrorists can easily remain anonymous when they use computer *****. Third, the scope of the attack can potentially ***** larger than physically combative ones. Fourth, cyberterror can be launched and managed remotely and fifth, computer terrorism can garner instant and widespread ***** attention. Cyberterrorism is not only in the province of international terrorist organizations but may also be used by fanatical religious groups or even by disgruntled employess. Using ***** terrorism can ***** become an adjunct to traditional forms ***** terror ***** bombs.

The National Security Agency (NSA) has investigated vulnerabilities in their own *****s and have hired hackers ***** expose weaknesses in their systems. Governmental organizations, energy corporations, transportation and communications *****frastructures, and law enforcement departments ***** also been stepping up efforts to pr*****t acts of cyber*****, spending large amounts ***** money to do so. The larger the system, ***** more potential ***** it may have. Weimann adm*****s that acts of cyber***** may increase in the future but that for