I.  The fight against Cyber Terrorism!

 

A. What is Cyber Terrorism? 

 

How many times have you heard the phrase, "Computers run everything"? In today's world computers are integrated into basically everything we know. From the small ones that ring us up at the Mom & Pop stores to the mega computers that keep our financial institutions functioning. We as a country rely on computers to do everyday tasks, aware or not.

 

Cyberspace is the electronic medium of computer networks in which online communication takes place and in many ways the control system of our country. Composed of millions of interconnected computers, servers, routers, switches, and fiber optic cables it allows our critical infrastructures to work. Our economy and national security are fully dependent upon information technology and the Cyberspace infrastructure. The core of the Cyberspace infrastructure is the internet. 

 

The internet connects millions of other computer making most of the nation’s essential services and infrastructures work. Cyber Terrorism is an attack on any of these services and infrastructures. It is a criminal act perpetrated by the use of computers and telecommunications, resulting in disruption and destruction. It is usually done to create fear by causing confusion and uncertainty within a given population, with the goal of influencing a government or population to conform to a particular agenda.

 

 B. Who protects us from Cyber Terrorism? 

  

Securing cyberspace is a difficult strategic challenge that requires coordinated and focused effort from our entire society including the federal government, state and local governments, the private sector, and the American people. The Department of Homeland Security, the Air Force Cyber Command, the CIA, and the FBI are all focused on preventing Cyber Terrorism. It is up to each of us to get informed and do our part!

 

II.  Are you or your company at risk?

 

A. Targets

 

Every day the world becomes more and more reliant on information technology. Banks, other financial institutions, public utilities, commercial companies, and even governments use on-line technology in its daily business. It is easily argued that many of these advancements are beneficial, but what is the cost that comes with them. As everything begins to use technology then everything becomes a target of cyberterrorism. As things stand terrorists are now capable of disrupting almost every aspect of our culture, governments, public utilities, on-line banking and trading, commercial transactions, commuter and international travel, ticket purchases, medical and hospital data, educational institutions, etc.

 

B. Common Misconceptions

 

There are misconceptions about cyber-crimes that can cause your computer to be more vunerable.  These mainly surround the area of anti-virus software and firewall protection.  It is important to remember that anti-virus and firewall are not 100% guaranteed protection.  Also when you install this software to your computer it still needs to be updated when the maker has a newer version.  This will strengthen the program as it may have problems that have been discovered.  Lastly, remember that even if you feel you have no valuable information on your computer it is still important to have anti-virus and firewall.  Even if nothing is taken a hacker could use your computer to attack someone else.

 

 

III. What Can We Do to help the fight?

 

A. Basic housekeeping

 

Housekeeping relates to the integrity and availability of information. It includes activities such as producing regular backups, logs, and fault recordings. Logs are reports with information collected about such activities was what application was launched, by whom and where. Keeping up-to-date logs and analyzing their content allow management to understand the quality of operations in the facility.  These logs provide a lot of useful information. It is a known fact that locating trouble spots sooner rather than later can reduce the exploits of cyber-warriors.  Fault logs are events related to occurrences of faults and their handling.  

 

B.  Hardening the network

 

Although there are no foolproof ways to protect a computer besides disconnecting it from the Internet, there are four steps that can be taken to help prevent a cyber-terrorist attack. This first step is to install and use a firewall when connected to the Internet. The second step would be to download and install updates for your computer's operating system. The third step would be to install and use anti-virus software and download virus definitions regularly. The forth and final step would be to Install and use anti-spyware software and download definitions regularly.

 

C.  Preemptive security

 

Protecting yourself or business from a cyber attack before it occurs is extremely important.  According to IBM's Internet Security Systems X-Force protection should start from a multi-layered strategy at the gateway concerning all cyber threats not only certain acts.  "A security solution should incorporate IPS technology, firewall, virtual private network (VPN), vulnerability assessment, antivirus, mail security and Web filtering functionality."  (X-Force, IBM)  Preemptive security against cybercrimes includes all of these elements along with proper maintenance and upkeep.  A key ingredient to protection is user knowlege about threats.

 

 

 D. Gathering knowledge

 

Being knowledgeable about your computer and cybercrime is always a great defense.  The main thing a computer user needs to remember is to use good common sense.  While online only use reputable secure sites when processing any personal or financial information and always be very careful to only open safe emails.  Get educated on all aspects of computer protection from cyber attacks.  This information can be found on the web, books, and you can always find help from your local electronic stores.

 

 

 

 

IV.  Conclusion

 

Cyber terrorism is here to stay. As a nation, the U. S. is vulnerable electronically and it’s just too tempting to attack us. Cyber terrorism could also become more attractive as the real and virtual worlds converge, with a greater number of physical devices attached to the Internet. Some of these may even be remotely controlled. The government is worried and is taking measures to avoid being easy targets. In 2002, President Bush approved a bill that will allow more Internet surveillance and punish cyber terrorists with life imprisonment. However, the task to be achieved is colossal. To just secure military systems one will need years and millions of dollars, without even touching civilian infrastructures.

 

Finally, the threat of cybercrime is very much a part of the digital landscape today. In addition to cyber attacks, many people and organizations are being terrorized on the Internet today. With threats of physical violence, stalking, denial of service, theft of property, these crimes are serious and must be addressed. In so doing, we will be in a better position to prevent and respond to cyber terrorism when the time comes. The challenge, however, is to determine the proportion of cybercrime that can be directly or indirectly attributed to terrorists; a challenge that will continue to grow in the years ahead, with significant national security implications.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go back home!