Cyber Terrorism: The Invisible War Of 21st Century
- IJLLR Journal
- Jun 12
- 1 min read
Vanshika Tyagi, Asian Law College
ABSTRACT
As nations have fortified their borders, the battlefront has already shifted to cyberspace, demanding a paradigm shift in technological preparedness, legal thought and global cooperation. The advent of the digital era has significantly shifted the nature of warfare, with cyber terrorism emerging as the formidable weapon against national security & international order. It represents the convergence of technology and terror, where the battlefield is no longer physical but digital, weaponized through invisible codes & algorithms. Unlike conventional acts of terrorism, cyber terrorism entirely operates in the virtual realm, targeting crucial data infrastructure with the intent to cause disruption & destruction. As an invisible threat, it exploits the vulnerabilities of cyberspace, operating under anonymity and often far beyond the reach of law enforcement. Most insidiously, it is perpetrated by an invisible enemy; ranging from non-state actors to state sponsored entities who conceal their identities and jurisdictions. This article aims to examine the conceptual and legal contours of cyber terrorism, analyzing its distinction from cybercrime and cyber warfare. It evaluates the existing statutory frameworks, including Section 66F of the information technology act and scrutinizes India's cybersecurity policy architecture. Comparative perspectives from jurisdictions such as the United States and the European Union are explored to highlight the disparity in regulatory approaches. The article also identifies primary obstacles in legal enforcement, including jurisdictional complexity, technological anonymity, and the lack of international consensus. The following article is an endeavor to provide a comprehension of cyber literacy, to effectively combat this invisible war of the 21st century.
