ABSTRACT
In the real world, only a limited number of extremists commit and actively promote mass-mediated political violence; in cyberspace, far more sympathizers are willing to click the mouse and participate in cyber-attacks. A comprehensive Cyberspace Policy Review requested by President Obama stated, Threats to cyberspace pose one of the most serious economic and national security challenges of the 21st Century for the United States and our allies. Terrorists have resorted to criminal activities in cyberspace to finance their activities, with credit card fraud first on the list of their offenses. All kinds of hackers have attacked “enemy” computers and taken down websites in the context of terrorism and counterterrorism. American analysts have seen enough evidence on Al Qaeda’s computers to conclude that Terrorists are at the threshold of using the Internet as a direct instrument of bloodshed. Hate groups and terrorist organizations utilize online media for the same objectives that they hope to further through the traditional media’s coverage.
