Beyond Kinetic Harm and towards a Dynamic Conceptualization of Cyberterrorism
Abstract:
After more than two decades of discussion, the concept of cyberterrorism remains plagued by confusion. This article presents the result of an integrative review which maps the development of the term and which situates the epistemic communities that have shaped the debate. After critically assessing existing accounts and highlighting the key ethical, social, and legal dimensions at stake in preventing cyberterrorist attacks, it calls for a more dynamic conceptualization that views cyberterrorism as more abstract, difficult to predict, and hard to isolate; and which embraces a different conception of sufficient harm. In concluding, it proposes a novel definition of cyberterrorism, intended to catalyse a new research program, and sketches a roadmap for further research.
AUTHORS
Oxford Internet Institute University of Oxford
Oxford, United Kingdom
Vince J. Straub is a research assistant in the Oxford Internet Institute at the University of Oxford. His research focuses on cybersecurity, computational social science, decision- making, and the societal implications of artificial intelligence. Previously he worked for the United Kingdom’s National Endowment for Science, Technology, and the Arts.
Published In
Journal of Information Warfare
The definitive publication for the best and latest research and analysis on information warfare, information operations, and cyber crime. Available in traditional hard copy or online.
Quick Links
Archive
