Similarities between terrorist networks in antiquity and present-day cyberterrorist networks

Abstract

This paper analyzes the similarities between terrorist networks in Antiquity and cyberterrorist networks today. By establishing comparisons between networks from two classes of terrorists whose actions were recorded 2,000 years apart, this paper adds substance to the understanding of the superiority of networks to archetypical organizational structures (i.e., with a hierarchically-based order). By identifying three major factors, many analogies can be drawn, based on empirical statements found throughout this analysis, between cyberterrorist networks in this day and age and terrorist networks in Antiquity. Those factors are (1) similar patterns of communication, (2) similar connections and kinship webs, and (3) similar obstacles.