Domestic Cyberterrorism & Strategic Communications: Literature Review

Cyberterrorism poses a significant threat to the national security of the United States of America (USA), with critical infrastructure, such as commercial facilities, dams, emergency services, food and agriculture, healthcare and public health, and transportation systems virtually at risk. Consequently, this is due primarily to the country’s heavy dependence on computer networks. With both domestic and international terrorists increasingly targeting any vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks, information sharing among security agencies has become critical. Cyberterrorism can be regarded as the purest form of information warfare. This literature review examines cyberterrorism and strategic communications, focusing on domestic cyberterrorism. Notable themes include the meaning of cyberterrorism, how cyberterrorism differs from cybercrime, and the threat posed by cyberterrorism to the USA. Prevention and deterrence of cyberterrorism through information sharing and legislation are also key themes. Finally, gaps in knowledge are identified, and questions warranting additional research are outlined.