Debate on Cyberterrorism

The potential threat posed by cyberterrorism has provoked considerable alarm. Numerous security experts, politicians, and others have publicized the danger of cyberterrorists hacking into government and private computer systems and crippling the military, financial, and service sectors of advanced economies. Psychological, political, and economic forces have combined to promote the fear of cyberterrorism. From a psychological perspective, two of the greatest fears of modern times are combined in the term cyberterrorism. The fear of random, violent victimization blends well with the distrust and outright fear of computer technology. Debate continues to exist regarding the nature and definition of cyberterrorism. Using the assigned readings and additional resources, discuss the extent to which cyberterrorism exists and the characteristics that distinguish cyberterrorism from cybercrime. Provide specific examples to support your application and analysis of the debate surrounding the nature and definition of cyberterrorism. In addition, discuss the potential effects of cyberterrorism, providing specific examples. Your paper should be 4-6 pages in length and include at least five specific examples of different types of cyberterrorism that might be conducted and the associated effects that would be expected from such an attack.