Terrorism has undoubtedly become an everyday reality. Terrorist attacks have evolved in nature and increased in number through the use of more advanced techniques and technologies. Not only do terrorists now use more sophisticated weapons, their methods of communication and propaganda have also undergone significant development.
While terrorism once involved guns and simple bombs, contemporary terrorists use technology for more targeted and lethal attacks and to broaden their influence. Today’s terrorist activities include cyber, chemical, biological and radiological attacks, making the threat of terrorism far greater than it has ever been.
Terrorism and the Internet
The Internet has become the most common communication medium used by terrorist organizations, both internally and externally. Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook are regularly used for propaganda and to recruit new members. In his book entitled “Terrorism in Cyberspace: The Next Generation”, Professor Gabriel Weimann demonstrates how, since 1998, the presence of terrorists on the Internet has increased significantly.
Terrorists are using everything from popular web forums to Google Earth to plan attacks and promote their message. There has been a growing trend of attacking governmental, financial, and physical infrastructure in the form phishing, hacking, and scamming in order to gain access to crucial data that can be used for massively destructive purposes.
Terrorists recognize that using the Internet has a number of advantages. Not only is it inexpensive, but it also offers a veil of anonymity, making it easier for them to carry out their plans and strategies without a hitch. Additionally, they can use the Internet for fundraising purposes and for training new recruits.
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Apart from the Internet, technological advancement in nuclear warfare, weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and chemical weapons has also provided terrorist organizations with new opportunities. Some of them have built facilities dedicated to weapon research and development, which is a matter of grave concern for governments across the globe.
Countering Terrorism
With technology being terrorists’ latest and perhaps most powerful weapon, counter-terrorism units have also had to step up their technological development in order to stay one step ahead. Large scale measures are being undertaken to foolproof surveillance systems, security solutions, and develop cloud security systems so that terror attacks can be thwarted before they even occur. Even though there are many who believe that technology has given undue advantage to terrorist organizations, the fact remains that with proper funding and precautions, terror can be countered to a large extent.
There have been several important advancements made in biometric sensors, fixed satellite services, and physical security gadgets, which provide valuable information for national intelligence and security organizations that can be used to fight terrorism and other forms of crime.
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