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Unit 13: Understanding the Need of Security Measures

Cyber terrorism is the union of terrorism and the cyberspace. It refers to the use of computer Notes
networks to threaten the masses. It involves the utilization of computer infrastructure to terrorize
society. According to some, cyber terrorism is the use of Internet by terrorist organizations to
spread fear while others refer to it as the disruption of sensitive information stored on the web,
thus causing loss of sensitive data. The disruption of information stored on computer networks
is also a form of cyber terrorism.
Electronic means cannot cause physical harm. They can spread fear among the common masses
but they are very unlikely to result in a massive physical destruction or death. Considering the
advanced Internet security measures and the protective technologies in use, there are lesser
chances of the Internet leading to terror attacks. Many computer theorists deny the existence of
cyber terrorism. They prefer to call it as hacking or information warfare, wherein confidential
information of individuals or organizations is put on stake by unethical Internet users. They
define cyber terrorism as the group of activities that risk Internet safety of individuals and
organizations. However, many consider cyber terrorism as a serious threat to society. It is not
right to underestimate the devastating effects of criminal practices like hacking and phishing.
Hacking is the activity of breaking into a computer system in order to gain an unauthorized
access to it. The unauthorized revelation of passwords, the hacking of IP addresses can prove
being severe threats to the well-being of society. There have been instances of terrorist agencies
hacking computer systems to gain access to sensitive and critical information. One example is of
terrorists in Romania gaining access to the computers controlling the life support systems at the
Antarctic research station. A relatively recent example is of the website of the Ukrainian president
being attacked by hackers. Another simple example of cyber terrorism could be the hacking of
a hospital database system and changing medical prescriptions of the patients. Isn’t that scary?

13.5.1 Protection against Cyber Terrorism

In order to take effective measures against cyber terrorism, it is important for the computer
professionals to understand its adverse effects and be able to identify the loopholes in Internet
security. It is necessary to strengthen Internet security measures so that the society can be assured
a safe life on the Internet.
Critical information should be isolated from the outside world. It should be protected by the means
of firewalls, antivirus software and complex password systems. Government organizations should
be well-equipped to deal with cyber-terrorist activities. Similarly, banks, financial organizations
and other critical information units should be well protected from practices such as phishing,
hacking and identity theft. The information pertaining to national security is of highest importance
for the people of any country. It needs to be effectively protected from unethical Internet users.

It is also important to ensure protection on an individual level. It is essential for all the Internet
users to ensure Internet safety. In order to ensure protection from cyber terrorism, one’s email
accounts should be protected through passwords that are not easily guessable. One should
change the network configurations if defects are known and pay heed to network security issues
on an urgent basis. One should not visit websites that can seem suspicious in order to keep away
from Internet scams. It is important for every Internet user to know about the different types of
computer crimes and take due precaution against all the ill-practices that eclipse the advantages
of the Internet.

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