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Unintended Consequences of Cyber Age Technologies
There is not a criminal or terrorist group with its own computer chip
factory or military-industrial complex. Yet criminal and terrorist groups are
able to access products either by purchasing them, stealing them, or trading for
them; and they are able to spread their doctrine and connect with allies as never
before due to their empowerment by cyber processes. Purchasing commercial
satellite images or off-the-shelf information technologies (such as spyware
materials, intercept devices, and other technology available at Radio Shack or
on e-Bay) are two such examples. Using the Internet as a media device akin to
the New York Times for publishing articles or CNN for photographing and
running videos is another plus for transnational groups.
It was not expected that terrorists and criminals would use the Internet
to conduct cybermobilization, cyberplanning, cyberfear, and cybermanipulation
activities. Law in most civilized countries forbids such activities. But because
of the anonymity of the Internet, the ability to conduct these activities from faroff
locations without fear of law enforcement agencies, and their total
disrespect for the law, terrorists have little fear of being found and prosecuted.
Further, a terrorist or insurgent cares very little about web credibility factors.
Nation-states have to worry constantly about this issue. The terrorist or
insurgent will put out any information that fits a specific need without worrying
about being “called” on it for accuracy.
Off-the-shelf communication technologies, such as decoding and
intercept devices, have enabled terrorists, insurgents, and criminals to
coordinate and perform key functions similar to modern army staffs in the sense
of covertness, integration of effort, and speed. Remote digital devices, such as
car door openers, are used to detonate an insurgent’s improvised explosive
devices (IEDs). Surveillance cameras and voice intercept devices are available
to the general consumer (and the insurgent/terrorist), and this allows them to
plan ambushes with timeliness and precision. Before 9/11, websites contained
schematics and sometimes even the plans of sensitive facilities that enemy
operatives may still someday use. Information in a captured al Qaeda manual
noted that “public information can provide 80% of the information needed
about a possible target.” 46 A recent Associated Press report is indicative of this
trend. The report was about Google’s new search tool that includes satellite
images. The viewer gets an overhead shot of a site and driving directions to it.
This information previously was owned by Keyhole Corporation and cost users
$29.95 to download a version of Keyhole’s basic software package. Google
46 “Al Qaeda Surveillance Techniques Detailed,” USA Today, 29 December 2004 as
downloaded from the Internet at www.usatoday.com.
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