Terrorism and the Internet of Things: Cyber-Terrorism as an Emergent Threat

Abstract

In this chapter I present an argument that cyber-terrorism will happen. This argument is premised on the development of a cluster of related technologies that create a direct causal link between the informational realm of cyberspace and the physical realm. These cyber-enabled physical systems fit under the umbrella of the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT). While this informational/physical connection is a vitally important part of the claim, a more nuanced analysis reveals five further features are central to the IoT enabling cyber-terrorism. These features are that the IoT is radically insecure, that the components of the IoT are in the world, that the sheer numbers of IoT devices mean potential attacks can be intense, that the IoT will likely be powered by a range of Artificial Intelligence aspects, making it inscrutable, and that the IoT is largely invisible. Combining these five factors together, the IoT emerges as a threat vector for cyber-terrorism. The point of the chapter is to go beyond recognising that the IoT is a thing in the world and so can enable physical impacts from cyber-attacks, to offer these five factors to say something more specific about just why the IoT can potentially be used for cyber-terrorism. Having outlined how the IoT can be used for cyber-terrorism, I attend to the question of whether such actions are actually terrorism or not. Ultimately, I argue, as the IoT grows in scope and penetration of our physical worlds and behaviours, it means that cyber-terrorism is not a question of if, but when. This, I suggest, has significant ethical implications as these five features of the IoT mean that we ought to be regulating these technologies.

The Evolution of Terrorism in the Digital Age: Investigating the Adaptation of Terrorist Groups to Cyber Technologies for Recruitment, Propaganda, and Cyberattacks

“…Cloud storage's benefits in data storage, accessibility, and efficiency are countered by unique challenges in counter-terrorism. Its strong encryption, vital for privacy and security, can also be exploited by terrorist groups to secure communications and planning documents from law enforcement, creating a barrier in tracking and accessing their data [54,55]. The decentralized nature of cloud storage, with data spread across multiple jurisdictions, further complicates legal and investigative processes, as pointed out by Henschke et al [54].…”

“…Its strong encryption, vital for privacy and security, can also be exploited by terrorist groups to secure communications and planning documents from law enforcement, creating a barrier in tracking and accessing their data [54,55]. The decentralized nature of cloud storage, with data spread across multiple jurisdictions, further complicates legal and investigative processes, as pointed out by Henschke et al [54]. Terrorist groups leverage cloud platforms for quick information sharing, using them to disseminate propaganda and communicate across networks, thereby evading continuous monitoring and requiring substantial counterterrorism resources and technology [56].…”

“…This approach allows them to manipulate individual behaviors for recruitment, challenging online privacy norms [59]. However, the use of Big Data for predictive policing and counterterrorism by law enforcement also raises concerns about privacy infringement, potential bias, and the risk of creating a surveillance state, highlighting ethical dilemmas in its application [54,64]. Therefore, balancing the benefits and risks of Big Data in combating terrorism remains a complex and evolving challenge.…”

Terrorism and the internet: How dangerous is online radicalization?

“…For example, adding a virtual reality component to training units could increase the capability of online actors once the technology has become more of a standard for wider populations of users. Further, developments such as the Internet of Things could provide novel forms of both radicalization and attacks ( Henschke, 2021 ; Sullivan and Montasari, 2022 ). These developments also extend to easily accessible attack equipment such as weaponry generated through 3D-printing and promoted on social media ( The Guardian, June, 2022 ).…”