Amita Aziz

Abstract

This thesis examines the impact information technologies have had on the age-old phenomenon of terrorism. It looks at how terrorism has evolved into what has come to be known as information terrorism over this Information Era. Information revolution has introduced a new paradigm called Information Warfare for conflict among nations based upon attacking information infrastructures. The political attractions and deterrents to using these new information warfare methods are discussed at great length. The information age is affecting not only the types of targets and weapons terrorist choose, but also the ways in which such groups operate and structure their organizations. This paper will discuss how several of the dangerous terrorist organizations today are using information technology such as computers, software, telecommunication devices, and the Internet - to better organize and coordinate dispersed activities. Like the large numbers of private corporations that have embraced IT to operate more efficiently and with greater flexibility, terrorists are harnessing the power of IT to enable new operational doctrines and forms of organization. The final chapters offer prescriptions and solutions for integrating information technology into the framework of the United States' grand strategy to decrease the security threat and facilitate international cooperation in this area.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Cyberterrorism; Computer crimes; Terrorism; Computer security

Publication Date

2002

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Information Sciences and Technologies (GCCIS)

Advisor

Pugliese, Rudy

Advisor/Committee Member

Berenbaum, Alec

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: HV6773 .A959 2002

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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