Socio-psychological Implications of Cyberterrorism

Kaja Prislan, Igor Bernik

Purpose:

This paper intends to present the synergy between unrealistic notions about technology and terrorism and the cyberterrorists’ real capabilities and activities. At the same time, the paper also points to the threat, which must not be neglected from the information security point of view, particularly at the national level.

Design/Methods/Approach:

The paper presents the use of descriptive and comparative methods, which were applied to analyse several assumptions found in professional and scientific publications in the relevant field. The synthesis method was then applied to consider the findings and upgrade current theoretical approaches in order to explain the nature of cybercrime and cyberterrorism perpetrators.

Findings:

Due to the development of global cyberspace, crime gained entirely new dimensions and opportunities. Apart from modern technology users and typical malevolent perpetrators, cyberterrorists, whose intention is to instigate as much fear and media attention as possible by using technology, are also operating in cyberspace. Psychological effects stemming from the use of technology contribute to the fact that cyberterrorism is characterised by a high level of misunderstanding and consequently fear. When considered in combination with the lack of understanding of modern technology, as well as the fear of its use and potential abuse, the fact that this type of cybercrime does not have a structured political and legal basis generates major intimidation effects. Although cyberterrorism represents a serious threat to information infrastructures owned by states and organisations, its actualisation in the physical environment is merely indirect. At the moment, terrorists mostly use modern technology as instrumentalities for planning attacks and preserving their own existence.

Originality/Value:

The importance of this paper is demonstrated by its up-to-date nature. Apart from traditional cybercrime, cyberterrorism is also becoming a subject of ever more frequent media attention and controversial debates. Sensationalist reporting often generates dramatic and unrealistic notions regarding cyberterrorism, as well as its potential scenarios and implications. This paper, however, presents the true capabilities and basic characteristics of cyberterrorism, while its originality is demonstrated by its explanatory and interpretative nature.

UDC: 343.3/.7:004

Keywords: cyberterrorism, perpetrators, intimidation, socio-psychological aspect