Cyber terrorism in India

Cyber terrorism in India

Author:- Nehal Soni, a Student of BM Law College,Jodhpur (raj)

Introduction 

Crimes committed in earlier times and even now are known as conventional crimes but, in present time the crime has moulded itself and has taken a new variant and in the form cyber crime. A cyber crime is a criminal offence that targets a computer network and most of the cyber offences are committed to by the hackers to make money by taking unfair advantage and making wrongful loss to the victim. However, occasionally cybercrime aims to damage the computer network and not making profit. 

Cyber crimes can be committed through Email, hacking, crypto jacking, illegal gambling and by many ways. Cybercrime involves both of the following:

• Criminal activity targeting computers using viruses and other types of malware.

• Criminal activity using computers to commit other crimes.

Concept of Cyber Terrorism

Cyber terrorism is a personal, political or a social gain by using computers and networks to threaten and compel a person, organization or even a government. It is a global issue which is one of the most ignored & underestimated issue considered in India. Cyber terrorism is also named as electronic terrorism, information warfare or cyber warfare. It is an online attack that hampers computerized nodes for critical infrastructures, such as the internet, telecommunications, or the electric power grid, without ever touching a keyboard, can also contribute to, or be called cyber terrorism.

The FBI defined cyber terrorism as “the premediated, politically motivated attack against information, computer systems, computer programs, and data which result in violence against non-combatant targets by sub-national groups.

Causes of Cyber Terrorism

• Cyber terrorism is generally spreading due to the benefit that is less expensive than other traditional tactics.

• It can also benefit from impersonation, which can lead to anonymous cyber terrorism.

• Convenience is another factor that contributes to cyber terrorism.

• Taking revenge or having personal grievances against a particular person or group.

• Gaining money through stealing confidential information or demanding ransom payments.

• Political or ideological objectives, such as advancing a specific agenda or trying to interfere with government activities.

• Without any obstacles or physical barriers, a large number of people can be targeted with no or little risk of being tracked.

Impacts of Cyber Terrorism 

• Cyber terrorism hampers the economic and political stability of a country.

• Disruption of vital services and infrastructure, including banking networks, transportation networks and electricity grids.

• Due to cyberterrorism, the stock market, consumer spending habits, and then entire economy are all at risk.

• Cyberterrorism is a serious threat to integrity and security of nation.

• A nation’s infrastructure is also impacted by cyberterrorism, which tends to slow down the country’s expansion and progress.

• Financial damages for the organization as well as harm to reputation and credibility.

• The business which runs its operation through online platforms get severely affected due to cyberterrorism.

• Democratic process interference, if cyber attacks are used to tamper with elections or influence public opinion.