Cyberwarfare, Cyber Diversions, and Cyberterrorism

Cyberwarfare and Cyber Diversions

According to the definition by the FBI, cyberterrorism includes any cyberattack aimed at intimidation or causing physical harm. Malicious actors often seek to achieve this by destroying or damaging the critical infrastructure of the target.

However, in the information security community, cyberterrorism is interpreted as attacks aimed at achieving political goals. Even in the absence of a physical threat or significant financial losses, the primary objective of cyberterrorism remains to disrupt systems or cause harm to the stated targets.

Such attacks are most often carried out by pro-government hacker groups.

On the Work of Pro-Government Hacker Groups

In the 21st century, government hacking has naturally become even more widespread and diverse. On one hand, states use hackers to protect their interests and values in cyberspace. On the other hand, they commit cybercrimes and attacks.

The most active pro-government hacker groups are located in China, North Korea, the USA, and Iran. Espionage is a key area of activity, with a new vector of espionage being the hacking of personal and home devices of state officials.

China

Chinese pro-government groups are among the largest and most aggressive hacker communities. China is accused of hacking American military and government networks, corporations and universities, Tibetan and Uyghur activists and human rights defenders, as well as stealing intellectual property and technology. The main interests include government agencies, industrial facilities, military contractors, and research institutes.