Terrorism Issues for Governments

As more and more aspects of human life become dependent on computers and the Internet, the risk for terrorism grows.

One of the greatest challenges and threats to businesses and governments is information warfare.

Everything that is computer-dependent or linked to an organisation's telecommunications is threatened. A telephone system, a city's power and water supply, and a hospital's communication system are all potential targets. It is argued that individuals or groups can now use Cyberspace to threaten governments, or terrorize the citizens of a country. "Cracking" can become terrorism when an individual "cracks" into a government or military maintained website.

There are many reports of cases of cyber terrorism. For instance in November 2001, an individual was sentenced to two years in prison for using the Internet, a wireless radio and stolen control software to release up to one million litres of sewage into the river and coastal waters of Maroochydore in Queensland, Australia. The perpetrator was a consultant on the water project, after he was refused a full-time job. A similar case is that of a hacker breaking into the computer system that controlled the floodgates of the Theodore Roosevelt Dam in Arizona, USA. If the gates had been opened, walls of water could have flooded the cities of Tempe and Mesa, whose populations total nearly one million.

There is much talk of an 'Electronic Pearl Harbour' where 'sleeping governments' are suddenly hit and their infrastructures are crippled. This is not science fiction - with appropriated means, method and opportunity (as for most crimes) it can be achieved.