Non-traditional threats to security : the threat of cyber terrorism

Abstract

This research will explore the threat of cyber terrorism as a non-traditional security threat and the concept of cyber security. As a prelude to this main objective, this dissertation also seeks to explore the shift from traditional to non-traditional security age, as the world is heading towards 'a new age of global security'. This study therefore seeks to analyse the threat of cyber terrorism and establish whether it is a reality or a myth. Thus in this dissertation various arguments and debates will be analysed and compared. In addition, as part of the analysis, two case studies will be used: the 2007 cyber attacks on Estonia and the Stuxnet attack on Iran. This dissertation seeks to analyse and explore the objectives through the use of qualitative research. Both primary and secondary sources have been consulted while a short interview was also conducted with an expert in the field. The general findings from this research have shown that the threat of cyber terrorism is indeed real and is ever growing in significance, as the concept of cyber security will occupy a place in the centre of security studies in the near future. Such conclusions therefore imply that since cyber security is becoming a priority, more attention and debate is required. This is because every nation is at risk, while every individual that is part of the cyber world is also a potential target. Thus, nation states should develop cyber capabilities, at least to be able to counter cyber attacks as in the near future cyberspace will perhaps be the main battlefield in which states conduct attacks.