5.3

Social activism has been a real beneficiary of the widespread adaptation of mobile technology devices tethered to the Internet. As applied to social activism, the Internet has allowed individuals to engage in powerful social movements to push their message and call others to action without being bound to a specific geographical location. Because of the Internet, large movements can become global with just a tweet or status update. However, the Internet has also provided the means for criminals to employ hacking tools to conduct cyber hacktivism. This has become a real challenge internationally because it can easily transcend national boundaries, and also because it can become a dangerous tool for nation-states.

Upon successful completion of this assignment, you will be able to:

· Discuss criminal behavior that can occur only online.

Resources

· Textbook: Cybercrime and Digital Forensics: An Introduction

· Article: The Rise of Hacktivism

· Article: Online Harassment

· IWU Resources

Background Information

The Internet has given individuals and organizations the ability to get their message in front of millions of people with just the click of a button. While the value of this is a vital part of economic growth, instant access and communication also has a dark side. Cyberterrorists have become experts at using the Internet to distribute their message to millions of people around the world. The Internet has become a vital tool for terrorist recruiting, reporting, and coordination. Many nations struggle to limit access to hateful and terror-based content on the Internet while trying to balance the economic promise of an open and free Internet.

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Review the following chapters in the textbook, Cybercrime and Digital Forensics: An Introduction:

a. Chapter 10, “Online Extremism, Cyberterror, and Cyber Warfare”

b. Chapter 15, “The Future of Cybercrime, Terror, and Policy”

3. Read the following articles:

a. “ The Rise of Hacktivism ” https://www.georgetownjournalofinternationalaffairs.org/online-edition/the-rise-of-hacktivism?rq=The+Rise+of+Hacktivism

b. “ Online Harassment ” https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2014/10/22/online-harassment/

4. In a 500- to 750-word essay, analyze how law enforcement can effectively respond to online extremism, cyberterrorism, and cyber warfare. Be sure to address the following in your essay:

a. Compare and contrast the definitions of cyberterror and hacktivism.

b. Those engaged in cyberterror may have many different goals in mind. What cyberterror goal do you think is easiest to accomplish over the Internet? Explain.