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An In-depth Analysis on how Jihadists and Terrorists use the Internet and Social Media as a Means of Facilitation Presented by: Steven Kay   : 

An In-depth Analysis on how Jihadists and Terrorists use the Internet and Social Media as a Means of Facilitation Presented by: Steven Kay

Abstract : 

Abstract This paper presents an in-depth analysis of how terrorists use the Internet as a means of recruitment, financing, propaganda and social media. It will highlight the history of terrorism tactics as well as the continued shift towards a more networked structure. In addition, the paper discusses how law enforcement intends to combat terrorist cyber crime and communication throughout the world. The dissertation attempts to explain the different ways terrorists use the Internet to facilitate crime. With the increase in terrorist websites it has enabled them to recruit, train and spread their jihadist views across the Internet. The paper goes on to display how the Internet has become a critical tool for terrorist functionality. As post-modern terrorist organizations continue to shift towards a networked structure it has become increasingly difficult for law enforcement to monitor their advancements. In summation, the essay will discuss how the allowance of anonymity via the Internet will continue to be a challenging task for officials to monitor.

Overview : 

Overview At this point, terrorists are using the Internet more than they are attacking it. At least 12 of the 30 groups on the State Department's list of designated foreign terrorist organizations maintain Web sites on the Internet. While U.S. officials believe that some terrorists use encrypted E-mail to plan acts of terrorism, most groups appear to use the Internet to spread their propaganda. Some Israeli and U.S. officials believe that terrorists from Hamas and Islamic Jihad use the Internet to provide specific instructions to fellow terrorists including maps, photographs, directions, codes and technical details of how to use explosives.

The Internet : 

The Internet By its very nature, the Internet is in many ways an ideal arena for activity by terrorist organizations. Most notably, it offers easy access little or no regulation, censorship, or other forms of government control potentially huge audiences spread throughout the world anonymity of communication fast flow of information inexpensive development and maintenance of a web presence a multimedia environment (the ability to combine text, graphics, audio, and video and to allow users to download films, songs, books, posters, and so forth) the ability to shape coverage in the traditional mass media, which increasingly use the Internet as a source for stories.

Terrorist Financing: 

Terrorist Financing Prior to 9/11, charities were the main choice of terrorists to finance their jihad. However, they have since shifted to traditional methods of moneymaking, which include money laundering, identity theft, and credit card fraud. Younis Tsouli may today be the best-known virtual terrorist. Tsouli garnered the attention of Al Qaeda because of his computer expertise. He posted videos depicting terrorist activities on different websites with great technical capabilities. However, he needed to fund the websites as they became increasingly expensive. As a result, Tsouli and his partner Tarik Al-Daour acquired stolen credit card numbers on the Internet. The credit card numbers were purchased via online forums and used to launder money through several online gambling websites. Tsouli and Al-Daour were able to make $3.5 million dollars in credit card charges.

Funding of Attacks: 

Funding of Attacks Al Qaeda was responsible for funding the 1998 East Africa embassy bombings as well as the 2000 attack on the U.S.S Cole in Yemen. The 2004 Madrid train bombings were partially financed by the selling of illegal drugs. The attacks on the transportation system in London were financed by credit card fraud.

Phony Charities : 

Phony Charities Holy Land Foundation Union of Good Global Relief Foundation

Terrorist Recruitment: 

Terrorist Recruitment The Internet has enabled terrorist organizations to recruit followers by means of videos, websites and live broadcasts. Ziyad Khalil is an example of how potential Jihad recruits actually solicit terrorist organizations online. Ziyad became Al Qaeda’s procurement officer helping Bin Laden communicate internationally and purchasing numerous electronic technologies for surveillance.

Communication: 

Communication Terrorists communicate via email or through the usage of encrypted or hidden messages posted on certain websites. For example, former Al Qaeda operative Abu Zubaydah had thousands of encrypted messages confiscated by federal officials on his computer. They were posted in a password-protected area of the website. As it turns out, Zubaydah was one of Al Qaeda’s top militant recruiters .

Steganography: 

Steganography Another method of communication utilized by Al Qaeda is steganography . This term is defined as the use of secret messages hidden in harmless information that is posted online. They use certain signals and code words in order to get their message across to members all over the world.

Social Networking: 

Social Networking 90 percent of terrorist activity on the Internet takes place using social networking tools, be it independent bulletin boards, Paltalk , or Yahoo! EGroups . Hamas, Hezbollah and LTTE all had posted propaganda videos using YouTube. Additionally, some organizations launched their own video sharing services similar to YouTube. The names of the websites are Palutube , Tubezik and Tamiltube . There have been numerous Facebook groups identified by law enforcement that have publicized their support for extremist groups. Typically, terrorists use the name, accompanying default image, and information on a group message board. The features are all tailored to fit the profile of a particular social group, which then provides the terrorists with a list of supporters and followers.

Video Propaganda: 

Video Propaganda

Counterterrorism: 

Counterterrorism The United States banned all military personnel from posting details via social networking websites. Some of the homeland security information systems include the FBI DCS 1000, Echelon and the Matrix. Each system is responsible for different objectives. The combination of technologies and databases allows investigators and intelligence officials to identify potential terrorist plots before they are carried out. These systems are comprised credit card records, flight information, material purchases, emails and cell phone activity

The Removal of Open Information: 

The Removal of Open Information The amount of government information available to the public has been highly scrutinized since the attacks of 9/11. The Federal government responded to this scrutiny by limiting the information on websites of law enforcement and government agencies. Most agencies have either removed or modified existing data because of the threat to homeland security posed by terrorists. Organizations such as the Department of Energy removed detailed maps and descriptions of their nuclear facilities in the U.S. The FERC eradicated details on power plants, natural gas and oil pipelines .

The Patriot Act: 

The Patriot Act After the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, the United States passed the Patriot Act into legislation. It was designed to broaden the jurisdiction of intelligence and law enforcement agencies. Because of the usage of telecommunications by terrorists, authorities were given the ability to wiretap emails and web-surfing activities. Although, this may come at the expense of civil liberties, the law has enabled officials to monitor telecommunication activities for the prevention of a global terrorist catastrophe.