Cyberterrorism is any politically motivated and prearranged attack that is made against data, computer systems or computer programs that results in violence against those who are not combatant targets.
Cyberterrorist attacks are created to physically harm people in the United States. The U.S. Commission of Critical Infrastructure Protection states that cyberterrorists tend to target power plants, water systems, the banking industry, military installations and air traffic control centers, but there are no targets that specifically fall into cyberterror categories.
What are some examples of cyberterrorism?
Targeting an infrastructure system to disable regional power or water treatment plants could be a cyberterror attack. Cyberterrorists aim to disrupt major cities or to harm the public. Overall, the goal is to cause panic and to potentially injure or kill those in the country and region of the attack.
Another example of a cyberterrorist attack could be if a person steals critical data from the government or businesses in the United States. Phishing attacks are another potential way cyberterrorists aim to collect data and then use it to steal the victims’ identities.
What should you do if you’re accused of participating in a cyberterror attack?
The reality is that you are at risk of losing many of your freedoms if you don’t stand up for yourself right away. You need to defend yourself and show how you could not have participated in a cyber crime or how you were wrongfully accused of intending something you didn’t. Your attorney can work with you on a defense and help you know what you should or shouldn’t say to the authorities.