Awareness of the Potential Threat of Cyberterrorism to the National Security

Abdulrahman Alqahtani

doi:10.4236/jis.2014.54013

Abstract

The revolution of computing and networks could revolutionise terrorism in the same way that it has brought about changes in other aspects of life. The modern technological era has faced countries with a new set of security challenges. There are many states and potential adversaries, who have the potential and capacity in cyberspace, which makes them able to carry out cyber-attacks in the future. Some of them are currently conducting surveillance, gathering and analysis of technical information, and mapping of networks and nodes and infrastructure of opponents, which may be exploited in future conflicts. This paper uses qualitative data to develop a conceptual framework for awareness of cyberterrorism threat from the viewpoint of experts and security officials in critical infrastructure. Empirical data collected from in-depth interviews were analysed using grounded theory approach. This study applied to Saudi Arabia as a case study.

Highlights

Modern technology, which consists of computers, networks, communications, satellites and others, has contributed to increasing openness, which is attributed largely to the growth of interdependence between the parts of the world, provided by the ever-expanding Internet
This study by analysing qualitative data, which was obtained from the critical infrastructure helps to describe potential threat posed by cyberterrorism to national security, as compared to conventional terrorism
As the problem of the research is relatively recent, and there are no studies dealing with the potential threat of cyberterrorism on the national security of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, compared to conventional terrorism, the research aims to explore awareness of this threat

Summary

Introduction

Modern technology, which consists of computers, networks, communications, satellites and others, has contributed to increasing openness, which is attributed largely to the growth of interdependence between the parts of the world, provided by the ever-expanding Internet. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) brought with it the importance and interest in the spread and exchange of information between continents and countries of the world, and has become one of the pillars of the current era, bringing many benefits. It has raised risk and security concerns. This study by analysing qualitative data, which was obtained from the critical infrastructure helps to describe potential threat posed by cyberterrorism to national security, as compared to conventional terrorism This pairing and comparison will help to identify the level of awareness of this threat. This in turn will provide a conceptual framework for decision-makers about the problem in question and the government will be able to take the necessary action on a clear basis and within a strategic path to combat cyberterrorism

Literature Review

Methodology

Data Collection

Conclusion