IMPACT OF CYBER-TERRORISM ON NATIONAL SECURITY OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study aims to highlight the core issues of cyber terrorism in the modern world. Technology in this world has advanced dramatically and it also has given confinement to very sensitive problems. The national security of any state is based on several elements, which include the political system, government, and critical infrastructure. Since these elements rely heavily on computer systems and networks for control, management, SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition), and communications, any disruption as a result of cyber-terrorism may cost a lot to the states, and their organizations, therefore such cyber vulnerability is considered a direct potential threat to national security. Cyberterrorism is likely to turn out an immediate threat to the country’s national security. This could be the use of the internet by terrorists to plan, recruit, and communicate with other terrorists inside and outside the territorial boundaries. While terrorists may not have the advanced skills to target critical, sensitive infrastructure, they are likely to use the vulnerability of the internet or its unmonitored facilities to communicate, recruit, and plan terrorist attacks.