cyberterrorism
Online ideological attacks
Cyberterrorism is the use of computer attacks to cause fear, disruption, or harm for political or ideological purposes—targeting infrastructure, financial systems, or government networks.
The term blends the digital realm with terrorism's intent to intimidate: The power grid failure raised fears of cyberterrorism.
Whether a particular hack qualifies as cyberterrorism or mere cybercrime often depends on the attacker's motives and targets.
Harmful computer programs
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- DDoSTraffic flood attack
- phishingFraudulent credential harvesting
- botnetRemotely controlled infected computers
worm · virus · cyberweapon · zero-day · exploit · spyware · keylogger · rootkit
Forceful interruption of process
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
- chaosComplete disorder and confusion
- blackoutComplete power loss
- panicUncontrollable sudden fear
paralysis · casualties · destabilization · propaganda · fear · coercion · ransom · espionage
Network access control system
- encryptionConverting data into code
- cyberdefenseProtecting networks from attacks
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
- antivirusMalware detection program
attribution · forensics · countermeasures · resilience · redundancy · early-warning
Unauthorized system accessor
- state-sponsoredBacked by national authorities
- hacktivistIdeological computer infiltrator
- nation-stateSovereign political territory
- extremistOne holding fringe views
Basic physical systems
- hospitalsInstitutions treating the sick
- transportationMoving people or goods
- electionsFormal choosing of officials
- telecommunicationsRemote signal transmission technology
banking · dams · pipelines · satellites
Serious criminal offense
- prosecutionPursuing legal charges
- extraditionFugitive transfer between jurisdictions
- sanctionsPunitive international restrictions
- FBIU.S. domestic intelligence agency
Interpol · indictment · treaty · jurisdiction · enforcement · counterterrorism · legislation
malware
Harmful computer programs
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- DDoSTraffic flood attack
- phishingFraudulent credential harvesting
botnet · worm · virus · cyberweapon · zero-day · exploit · spyware · keylogger · rootkit · backdoor
disruption
Forceful interruption of process
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
- chaosComplete disorder and confusion
- blackoutComplete power loss
panic · paralysis · casualties · destabilization · propaganda · fear · coercion · ransom · espionage · disinformation
firewall
Network access control system
- encryptionConverting data into code
- cyberdefenseProtecting networks from attacks
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
antivirus · attribution · forensics · countermeasures · resilience · redundancy · early-warning
hacker
Unauthorized system accessor
- state-sponsoredBacked by national authorities
- hacktivistIdeological computer infiltrator
- nation-stateSovereign political territory
infrastructure
Basic physical systems
- hospitalsInstitutions treating the sick
- transportationMoving people or goods
- electionsFormal choosing of officials
telecommunications · banking · dams · pipelines · satellites
felony
Serious criminal offense
- prosecutionPursuing legal charges
- extraditionFugitive transfer between jurisdictions
- sanctionsPunitive international restrictions
FBI · Interpol · indictment · treaty · jurisdiction · enforcement · counterterrorism · legislation
- Terrorismterror cell, suicide bomber, suicide bombing, suicide attack, bombing
- Cyberwarfarecyberwar, cyberdefense, state actor, state actors, malware
- cybersecurityantivirus, malware, firewall, firewalls, encryption
- treasontreason, high treason, sedition, turncoat, state betrayal
cyberterrorismcybersecurity
Protection of digital systems
cyber defense · ethical hacking · penetration testing · network security · information security
cyberterrorismbombings
Explosive attacks from above
guerrilla warfare · hijacking · assassinations · suicide bombing · bombing