cyberterrorists
Online infrastructure saboteurs
Cyberterrorists are people who use computer networks to carry out attacks intended to cause fear, disruption, or harm for political or ideological purposes.
The term covers a range of actors—from state-sponsored hackers targeting infrastructure to lone extremists defacing websites.
Cyberterrorists could cripple the power grid.
The label often gets applied loosely to any malicious hacker, though purists insist true cyberterrorism requires a political motive beyond mere criminality.
Harmful computer programs
- phishingFraudulent credential harvesting
- botnetRemotely controlled infected computers
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
DDoS · virus · backdoor · zero-day · keylogger · rootkit · spyware · worm
Deliberate disruption of operations
- espionageCovert intelligence gathering
- critical infrastructureEssential services and facilities
- extortionObtaining through threats
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
coercion · intimidation · propaganda · disinformation · recruitment · radicalization · lone wolf · sleeper cell
Ideological computer infiltrator
- blackhatMalicious computer intruder
- AnonymousLeaderless hacktivist network
- dark webEncrypted, unindexed online networks
- syndicateCombined group pursuing shared interest
conspirators · operatives · cell · network · state-sponsored · APT · indictment · prosecution
Protecting networks from attacks
- firewallNetwork access control system
- encryptionConverting data into code
- intrusion detectionSpotting unauthorized access attempts
- attributionAssigning origin or cause
surveillance · counterterrorism · FBI · Interpol · monitoring · forensics · penetration testing · security clearance
Uncontrollable sudden fear
- disruptionForceful interruption of process
- chaosComplete disorder and confusion
- mass casualtyEvent harming many simultaneously
- blackoutComplete power loss
water supply · financial system · aviation · nuclear facility · psychological warfare · hysteria · alarm · paranoia
malware
Harmful computer programs
- phishingFraudulent credential harvesting
- botnetRemotely controlled infected computers
- exploitNotable act or abuse
ransomware · DDoS · virus · backdoor · zero-day · keylogger · rootkit · spyware · worm · breach
sabotage
Deliberate disruption of operations
- espionageCovert intelligence gathering
- critical infrastructureEssential services and facilities
- extortionObtaining through threats
infiltration · coercion · intimidation · propaganda · disinformation · recruitment · radicalization · lone wolf · sleeper cell · manifesto
hacktivist
Ideological computer infiltrator
- blackhatMalicious computer intruder
- AnonymousLeaderless hacktivist network
- dark webEncrypted, unindexed online networks
syndicate · conspirators · operatives · cell · network · state-sponsored · APT · indictment · prosecution · fugitive
cyberdefense
Protecting networks from attacks
- firewallNetwork access control system
- encryptionConverting data into code
- intrusion detectionSpotting unauthorized access attempts
attribution · surveillance · counterterrorism · FBI · Interpol · monitoring · forensics · penetration testing · security clearance · watchlist
panic
Uncontrollable sudden fear
- disruptionForceful interruption of process
- chaosComplete disorder and confusion
- mass casualtyEvent harming many simultaneously
blackout · water supply · financial system · aviation · nuclear facility · psychological warfare · hysteria · alarm · paranoia · nightmare scenario
cyberterroristsguerrilla fighters
Irregular combatants using ambush tactics
suicide bombers · insurgents · bombers · paramilitary groups