Is Cyber Terrorism (also known as Cyber Warfare) a serious threat to Australia?
It is the aim of this research paper to research, clarify and decide upon the best answer to the question posed, using resources gathered online, in academic findings, in books and through the library database in order to gain a fair and unbiased analysis.
My hypothesis is that, currently Cyber Terrorism doesn’t pose a major threat, but as we become more dependent on the internet as a nation, we become more at risk.
To clarify the meaning of Cyber Terrorism I first looked at Andrew M.Colarik’s, ‘Introduction to Cyber Warfare and Cyber Terrorism’, where he states,
“The term Cyber Terrorism was coined in 1996 by combining the terms cyberspace and terrorism. The term has become widely accepted after being embraced by the United States Armed Forces. A report generated in 1998 by the Center for Strategic and International Studies was entitled Cybercrime, Cyberterrorism, Cyberwarfare”
Cyber Terrorism has been acknowledged by the world and measures are now being taken to counteract it.
As the world’s leading super power, America sets the standard for all first world countries including Australia. America has therefore begun a new initiative that is dedicated to the threat of Cyber Terrorism, which they are calling Cybersecurity. On the website for the White House, President Obama is quoted on this new system,
“Cyber threat is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face as a nation” and that “America's economic prosperity in the 21st century will depend on cybersecurity.”
His announcement comes with the promise of hardening digital infrastructure to be more resistant to penetration and disruption; improving ability to defend against sophisticated and agile cyber threats; and recovering quickly from cyber incidents—whether caused by malicious activity, accident, or natural disaster.
In 2008, the Washington Times reported that as many as thirty countries were attending a global conference aimed at the prevention and response of Cyber Terrorism.
The Australian government in accordance with ASIO are now working to make sure that we are prepared for any attacks through Cyber Terrorism.
In a report submitted by ASIO to the Australian Government they state,
“The rapid increase in the world’s reliance on information technology and the telecommunications sector has created a persuasive new vector through which state and non-state actors may conduct espionage or disruptive actions to damage national security.”
It is reassuring that our country, and others, are taking the necessary steps to protect us from an attack through Cyber Terrorism but are these preventative measures more to calm the general public than counteract any real threat?
Cyber Terrorism has been sensationalised by the media and the film industry.
If you watch any recent science fiction or action film you will most likely see the enemy using his mobile phone or computer to organise his attacks. With the accessibility of iPhones, wirelessly connecting home electronics and the introduction of smart technology cars who virtually drive themselves it’s no wonder consumers are willing to believe that the film concepts such as Gamer (controlling people’s brains through wireless internet connection) are quite possible, and with computers now being an addition to almost all the homes in Australia, this isn’t likely to change.
The media is renowned for reported a more sensationalised story rather than the cold, hard facts.
With headlines such as “Cyber Terrorism is the next big threat, say experts” the public feels an overwhelming need for the government to take action and so in response the world leaders are beginning to take action, though it seems that these won’t really be necessary until further communication technology advancements.
There are many myths surrounding Cyber Terrorism and these are only made worse by unreliable online material. Current myths include the ease with which a person can hack into security systems, charged by the recent actions of online groups who have gained access to the Sony Playstation network
Although the media, internet and film industry may be creating an awareness of Cyber Terrorism,
much of this isn’t necessarily helpful to government agencies who are working to protect the country.
As we develop further into communication technology, so too do the criminals in this world, Cyber
Terrorism will be in our future.
The opinions in summary are these, first there are those who believe that it is a urgent matter and must be addressed immediately or as a nation we will be attacked. Second is the opinion that this is a future matter and will eventually lead to stronger consequences but at present it is not a pressing concern for the governments and only needs a counter measure.
I conclude, the overall consensus is that the Cyber Terrorism threat is present and will be in the future. This leads me to believe that we are currently under threat but it is unnecessary to take extreme measures in order to protect us, even the most basic preventatives such as needing identification to own a mobile phone works.
Bibliography
, and . "Introduction to Cyber Warfare and Cyber Terrorism". Cyber Warfare and Cyber Terrorism. IGI Global. © 2008. Books24x7. <http://common.books24x7.com.libraryproxy.griffith.edu.au/toc.aspx?bookid=20791> (accessed October 17, 2011)
McDonald, Timothy. 2009. Experts say cyber-terrorism threat overstated. The World Today (Oct 26): n/a,http://search.proquest.com.libraryproxy.griffith.edu.au/docview/190299937?accountid=14543 (accessed October 17, 2011).
McCONNELL, ROB. 2009. Cyber terrorism: Fact or fiction? Belfast Telegraph, May 19, 2009. http://search.proquest.com.libraryproxy.griffith.edu.au/docview/337667679?accountid=14543 (accessed October 18, 2011).
Cyber terrorism. 2002. The National - CBC Television (Jan 21): n/a-n/a, http://search.proquest.com.libraryproxy.griffith.edu.au/docview/190674237?accountid=14543 (accessed October 19, 2011).
ASIO Security Report. 2010. The Security Environment 2010–11 and Outlook (Oct 8): n/a, http://www.asio.gov.au/img/files/Part-1.pdf (accessed October 19, 2011).
