Sciextor

Cyber Terrorism

Cyber terrorism is a type of cybercrime where the attacker uses the internet or other digital means to conduct violent acts or threaten violence against people, property, or systems for political or ideological purposes.

The attacker may use various methods, such as hacking, malware, ransomware, denial-of-service attacks, or phishing, to disrupt, damage, or destroy critical infrastructure, such as power grids, transportation systems, communication networks, or government services.

Cyber terrorism can cause physical harm, psychological fear, economic losses, or social chaos.

Some statistics on Cyber Terror are:

• Cyber terrorism is one of the most serious threats to national and international security in the 21st century.
• Cyber terrorism is difficult to measure and track due to its clandestine nature and the lack of a universally accepted definition.
• According to a 2019 survey by the Pew Research Center, 74% of Americans are very or somewhat concerned about cyberattacks from other countries.
• According to a 2020 report by the Council on Foreign Relations, some of the most active and sophisticated state-sponsored cyber actors are China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
• According to a 2020 report by Europol, some of the most prominent non-state actors involved in cyber terrorism are Islamic State (IS), Al-Qaeda (AQ), and right-wing extremists.
• Cyber terrorism is a serious threat that requires cooperation and coordination among governments, organizations, and individuals

What can you do:

• Keep your software up to date. This includes your operating system, browser, applications, and antivirus software. Updating your software can help you fix any security vulnerabilities or bugs that may be exploited by cyber terror malware
• Scan your device regularly for malware. Use a reliable antivirus software that can detect and remove any malicious programs or files that may be infecting your device. You can also use a malware removal tool that can specifically target cyber terror malware, such as Malwarebytes
• Avoid clicking on links or attachments from unknown sources. Many cyber terror infections are delivered through phishing emails, texts, or websites that trick you into revealing your personal or financial information, or downloading malware onto your device. You should also verify the sender’s identity and the authenticity of the message, and use spam filters and anti-phishing software to block or detect phishing messages
• Use encryption, authentication, and verification methods. Encryption can help you protect your communication and data from interception and tampering, authentication can help you verify your identity and access rights, and verification can help you ensure the integrity and security of your email communication. You can also use secure protocols, such as HTTPS, SSL, or TLS, to access websites or services
• Use firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS). Firewalls can help you filter or block unwanted or malicious network traffic, and IDS can help you monitor and alert you of any suspicious or anomalous activity on your network. You can also use a DDoS protection tool such as DNS filtering that can help block malicious visits to a website or service
• Be cautious when giving out personal information online. Cyber terrorists can use this information to research their targets and craft convincing attacks. You should also review your privacy settings and permissions on your online accounts, and delete or deactivate any unused or old accounts
• Report any cyber terror incidents or threats to the appropriate authorities. If you suspect that you have been a victim of a cyber terror attack, or that you have received a cyber terror threat, you should contact the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) or your local law enforcement agency. You can also use the CISA’s Situational Awareness and Incident Response (SAIR) program to obtain products and services that can help you address the cyber terror threat