Logic Tester for the Classification of Cyberterrorism Attacks

Abstract

The merging of terrorism with the cyber domain introduces the potential for using computers and networked technologies in cyberspace to carry out extremist activities. Despite the current debate on whether cyberterrorism can be regarded as a real threat, this research will propose a method for classifying incidents as either cyberterrorism or cyber-attacks. Although there have been no reported cases of Information Communication Technologies causing life-threatening situations or death, this research aims to show that cyberterrorism is not a negligible threat but instead a dangerous risk that should not be overlooked. This research will investigate the merging of terrorism with the cyber domain and present a multi-layered definition for cyberterrorism. This proposed definition is founded on the definition for traditional terrorism and incorporates elements of the international understanding of cyberterrorism. The research future presents a Logic Tester that uses Boolean logic to test the application of the multi-layered definition for cyberterrorism in terms of past international cyber incidents. The merit of the Logic Tester is presented through its application on a number of potential cyberterrorism scenarios, using the definition to classify these as either cyberterrorism or cyber-attacks.