Cyber Attacks The Threat Of Cyberterrorism - 2809 Words

Hacking to Peace: The Threat of Cyberterrorism Computer systems have become essential to the way of life that exists in the United States and other Western nations. However, America’s dependency on computers results in the nation being vulnerable to cyber-attacks. This paper will discuss cyber threats to American security as they pertain to the nation’s government, military, businesses, and infrastructure. Such threats include possible acts of cyber terrorism, as well as espionage and information theft. It will be seen that cyber-attacks could result in physical as well as economic damage to the nation. It will be argued that the threat of cyber-attack is real and that it needs to be taken seriously. Since the techniques of those involved†¦show more content†¦Such entities can steal critical information, disrupt vital services, and cause economic or even physical damage. The risk is related to the fact that American society has become increasingly dependent on computer networks. According to Cetron, et al., computer networks enrich life and increase efficiency in all kinds of important operations. However, dependency on networked systems results in America being vulnerable to cyber-attacks. In the words of Cetron, et al., â€Å"disrupt essential information or communications systems, and a company, government agency, or military unit could be dead in the water, or at least cut off from oversight and coordination with its partners† (46). Because of interconnections between systems, a single cyber-attack could cause widespread damage. Cyber-attacks are appealing to terrorists and other wrongdoers because it is relatively cheap, quick and easy to launch such an attack in comparison to launching a traditional military assault (Clark Levin). Also, cyber-attacks are attractive because they can be carried out anonymously. Because of this, it is poss ible for a terrorist group to initiate a devastating attack â€Å"without ever being identified or facing retribution† (Cetron, et al. 47). Experts are worried about the risk of cyber-attacks against the nation’s military and government systems. In addition, they are worried about possible attacks on the nation’s infrastructure. As noted by