The Rise of Politically Motivated Cyber Attacks: Actors, Attacks and Cybersecurity

This book explores the complexity of understanding different forms of cyber attacks, the actors involved, and their motivations, as well as the challenges in investigating and prosecuting politically motivated cyber attacks. It connects diverse literatures on cyberwarfare, cyberterrorism, and cyberprotests and categorises the different actors involved. It examines the current legislative framework and proposes ways to reconstruct it to manage offline violence. It is an important contribution to the study of cyber attacks within criminology, criminal justice, law, and policy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Understanding the Complexity of Cyber Attacks

Cyber attacks have become a significant threat to individuals, organizations, and even governments around the world. These attacks can take many forms, including malware, phishing, ransomware, and social engineering. The actors involved in these attacks can range from individual hackers to organized criminal groups, and their motivations can vary widely, from financial gain to political or ideological objectives.

One of the key challenges in investigating and prosecuting politically motivated cyber attacks is the lack of consistency within regulatory frameworks. Different countries have different laws and regulations regarding cybercrime, and this can make it difficult to coordinate investigations and prosecute offenders across borders. Additionally, the grey zone that this creates for cybercriminals to operate within can make it difficult to identify and prevent attacks.

To address these challenges, this book explores the complexity in understanding different forms of cyber attacks, the actors involved, and their motivations. It connects diverse literatures on cyberwarfare, cyberterrorism, and cyberprotests, and categorizes the different actors involved – state-sponsored/supported groups, hacktivists, online protestors.

The book compares the means and methods used in attacks, the various attackers, and the current strategies employed by cybersecurity agencies. It examines the current legislative framework and proposes ways in which it could be reconstructed, moving beyond the traditional and fragmented definitions used to manage offline violence.

This book is an important contribution to the study of cyber attacks within the areas of criminology, criminal justice, law, and policy. It is a compelling reading for all those engaged in cybercrime, cybersecurity, and digital forensics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cyber attacks have become a complex and multifaceted threat that requires a comprehensive and coordinated response. By understanding the complexity of these attacks, the actors involved, and their motivations, we can better identify and prevent them. This book provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with investigating and prosecuting politically motivated cyber attacks, and proposes ways in which the legislative framework can be reconstructed to address these issues.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367648695