Cyberterrorism is a term used “…to describe the use of Internet based attacks in terrorist activities, including acts of deliberate, large-scale disruption of computer networks, especially of personal computers attached to the Internet, by the means of tools such as computer viruses” according to Wikipedia.
The UK Government published its National Security Strategy A Strong Britain in an Age of Uncertainty in October 2010 which outlined the reappraisal of Britain’s role in the world, the risks to national security and their implication for the UK. This report set the context for today’s strategic defence review (SDR), the coalition administration said cyber attacks, international terrorism and natural disasters are the major threats to the UK. In an age of suicide bombers, this seemed like a surprising statistic.
However, it is a worrying threat – as hackers gaining access to nuclear power plants could lead to catastrophic consequences. Cheltenham’s British intelligence agency, GCHQ, has also stated that the UK’s critical infrastructure, such as power grids, faces a “real and credible threat” of cyberattack. The days of a geeky misguided youngster causing mischief in his bedroom by creating a virus appear to be long gone. Although minor (although, obviously not adjudged to be minor amongst the victims) “cyber terrorist” attacks regularly take place via hackers and criminal gangs – but in recent years “alleged” more serious attacks have been launched by countries against each other according to well respected officials.