Cyber Terrorism and Cyber Laws: The Challenge for Governments

A new form of cyber crime which has emerged in the modem age is 'Cyber Terrorism'. The concept of cyber terrorism comes from two elements: cyber space and terrorism. The word 'cyber' signifies a form of information technology, the internet etc. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has offered the following working definition, "Cyber terrorism is the premeditated,politically motivated attack against information, computer systems, computer programs, and data which result in violence against non combatant targets by sub national groups or clandestine agents". Terrorists may be classified as cyber terrorists whether they solely rely on cyber terrorism to farther their cause, or whether they use cyber terrorism in addition to other more conventional forms of terrorism. Cyber terrorism is more of a threat today than ever before due to several factors. First, the tragic events of September 11, 2001, have proven that there are terrorist groups who have the sophistication and brazenness to attack the United States within its own borders. Second, almost every facet of human life, including financial institutions, production facilities, and government functions, has become increasingly dependent on computer technology. Third, the economy is increasingly dependent on electronic transactions, which are vulnerable to a cyber terrorist attack.