Terrorism, in a nutshell, can be simply defined as using violent means to achieve political goals. Before a few decades, terrorism meant only destroying the enemy physically by using explosives. But now, terrorism is not just causing physical damage. It is hacking into your systems, causing data breaches, stealing your personal information, hacking your bank accounts, stealing government data, disrupting civic systems, causing chaos through online confusion, and hacking and damaging military machines. That’s how violent terrorism looks like nowadays, and they have a new and swanky term for it called cyber terrorism.
In this blog, you will get an idea of what cyber terrorism is, methods used for cyber terrorism, and countermeasures that individuals, corporations as well as governments can take to prevent them. So, let’s get started!!
What is cyber terrorism?
Cyber terrorism can be defined as the application of the internet and its various facets by terrorist organizations to further their goals and objectives. The internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs) have altered how we live and consume information. But, it has also provided an avenue for terror organizations to recruit, propagate, and expand their operations as well as propaganda.
Terrorists can use the internet to finance their operations, train other terrorists, and plan terror attacks. As part of cyber terrorism, hackers may also hack into government or private servers to gain access to sensitive information or even siphon funds. In spite of this, there is no universally accepted definition of cyber terrorism today.
Methods of cyber terrorism:
The following are some of the methods used by cyber terrorists:
Hacking: The act of hacking involves attempting to exploit a computer system or a private network within a computer. It is the act of getting unauthorized access to computer network security systems for illicit purposes. Hackers implement a variety of methods to exploit sensitive information systems and disrupt operational processes by causing digital chaos.
Phishing: Phishing involves criminals pretending to be legitimate organizations by sending emails, text messages, advertisements, or other methods to steal sensitive information. Here, the attackers plan to steal crucial information and credentials of their targets by pretending to be a legitimate business, alliance or source that can trigger the user to act.
Ransomware: A ransomware attack affects a computer by infecting it with malicious software that locks the user out of the computer or the attackers will not allow the user to access the files until a ransom is paid to unlock the files/computer. It has been observed that ransomware variants have been around for several years and are often designed to extort money from victims via an on-screen alert.
Countering cyber terrorism
A few steps to countering cyber
terrorism are:
- Companies
must ensure that all Internet of Things (IoTs) devices are properly
secured and are not accessible over public networks. Organizations need to
regularly back up their systems, use firewalls, antivirus software,
antimalware, and implement continuous monitoring to protect against
ransomware and similar attacks.
- Additionally,
companies need to develop IT security policies to protect their business
data. It means limiting access to confidential data and enforcing strict
password policies and authentication processes, such as two-factor
authentication and multi-factor authentication. There should be regular
audits of all IT systems in organizations and government bodies to keep
the security systems up-to-date and mapping policies as per changing times.
- The National Cyber Security Alliance suggests training employees on safety protocols and how to detect malicious code and cyber attacks so that they will have an idea of how to stay protected from cyber attacks.
If you are willing to know more about cyber security, join InfosecTrain’s cyber security courses.
InfosecTrain
InfosecTrain is a leading provider of consultancy services, certifications, and training in information technology and cyber safety. Our accredited and skilled trainers will help you understand cybersecurity and information security and improve the skills needed. Not only do they give you the best training, but they will also expose you to new challenges that will be very helpful to you in the coming future. Enroll in our Cyber Security course today to experience the practical sessions and excellent training from the best trainers.
