Malicious Internet Use and Homeland Security

The advantages of speed, security and connectivity, which Information Technology brings to businesses and government, are increasingly empowering international terrorist groups. Tools previously only available to national security agencies are increasingly at the disposal of terrorist cells and rogue nations. Powerful encryption methods are now widely available. Anonymizers, which remove the computer's identifying information so that IP addresses are hidden and cookies and scripts are blocked, represent a new advance in Internet technology. These developments raise important questions about the risks of privacy. The Internet offers terrorists an intelligence and reconnaissance tool, giving wide access to logistical data, and as part of the globalization aspect of the Internet cultural resources can benefit terrorist activity, teaching customs and mannerisms of the target society.