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What is Cyberterrorism?
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Cyberterrorism can be defined as the use of information technology
by terrorist groups and individuals to further their agenda. This can include
use of information technology to organize and execute attacks against networks,
computer systems and telecommunications infrastructures, or for exchanging
information or making threats electronically. Examples are hacking into
computer systems, introducing viruses to vulnerable networks, web site
defacing, denial-of-service attacks, or terroristic threats made via electronic
communication.
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Legislation
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As of December 2002, at least fourteen states have pending
legislation that address cyberterrorism.
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| Statutes |
Electronic Threats & Terroristic Activities
Several states have addressed terrorism
in state criminal codes, including statutes that address terroristic
activities and threats. But at least three states- California, Georgia,
and Pennsylvania - have laws specifically
aimed at electronic terroristic threats or acts.
Hacking, Viruses & Unauthorized Access
Cyberterrorism can include direct attacks on networks, computer systems,
computer programs, and data, which may result in potentially disastrous
consequences like shutting down vital infrastructure facilities such as
power stations. Nearly every state has statutes
banning hacking and unauthorized access, and at least sixteen states
ban unleashing harmful computer viruses and contaminants.
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Links to Resources
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National Infrastructure Protection Center
The National Infrastructure Protection Center (NIPC) serves as a national
critical infrastructure threat assessment, warning, vulnerability, and
law enforcement investigation and response entity.
Computer Crime and Intellectual
Property Section (CCIPS)
Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice
Activism,
Hacktivism, and Cyberterrorism: The Internet as a Tool for Influencing
Foreign Policy
Dorothy E. Denning, Georgetown University
Cyberterrorism
Resources Center
From the Global Development Center.
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Contacts
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Pam Greenberg and Janna
Goodwin
303-364-7700 |
 NCSL
Protecting Democracy
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