The internet has become a tool which terrorists can use for their
own purposes. Nation-states who do not recognize the potential threat
that
this poses to governments and civilians are being naïve. The simple
penetration of a military network containing sensitive data by terrorists
could have very costly consequences, in terms of money, military operations,
and even human lives. In order to stay ahead of the sophistication
of terrorists, it is necessary to invest in systems that can monitor
and
detect terrorist
activity within sensitive networks and systems, and to secure sensitive
systems appropriately. It is impossible, as some suggest, to regulate
the internet
enough
to eradicate terrorist use of it. The sheer volume of information which
it represents
prohibits it, without even considering ethical concerns about freedom
of speech. The internet cannot be cleansed of terrorists, just as the
world
cannot be. Instead, governments will have to take the responsibility
of defending themselves and their citizens over the internet using
the
same cyber tools the terrorists use. Information Operations Links: An article about the U.S. legislature appropriating resources to invest
in cyber security. An important definition of military stance on
Information Operations. A consideration of the ethics of the use of Information Operations. An in-depth review of the US military’s Information Operations
strategy. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe begins efforts
to co-ordinate legislation about terrorist use of the internet, October
2005. |
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