Terrorists Might Be Dumb, but They're Tech-Savvy | Big Think

TL;DR

Criminals and terrorists have been early adopters of technology, using it for various purposes such as encryption, fundraising, operational planning, and recruitment. They have also utilized technology as an integral part of their attacks, including monitoring news media in real-time and using drones for potential bombings.

Transcript

Many people when they think about computer crime they think either of a 17 year old kid in his mom’s basement kind of like the Matthew Broderick in that movie WarGames or they think about Russian organized crime, Eastern European organized crime. But the fact of the matter is that not only are criminals early adopters of technology but so are terro... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Criminals and terrorists have been early adopters of technology, leveraging its capabilities for their own purposes.
• ❓ Terrorists have effectively used the internet for fundraising, operational planning, propaganda dissemination, and recruitment.
• 📱 The 2008 Mumbai attack demonstrated the terrorists' advanced technological capabilities, including real-time monitoring of news media and the use of smartphones and satellite phones.
• 👨‍🔬 Privacy concerns on platforms like Facebook are eclipsed by the potential impact of a simple Google search by terrorists.
• 😇 Technology, such as drones and encryption, has become crucial in the arsenal of terrorist organizations like ISIS and al-Qaeda.

Questions & Answers

Q: How have terrorists been using the internet for propaganda?

Terrorists have been using the internet as a platform to publish beheading videos and spread their ideological message to a wide audience. This propaganda serves to attract new recruits and create fear and intimidation.

Q: What technological tools did terrorists use during the 2008 Mumbai attack?

In addition to weapons like AK47s and explosives, the terrorists had access to Blackberries, smartphones, and night vision goggles. They also established a technological operations center in Pakistan to monitor news media and gather real-time information.

Q: How did terrorists use technology to identify and kill a hostage in the Taj Mahal Hotel?

The terrorists used Google search to find information about a hostage who claimed to be a school teacher. They located a photograph and confirmed his identity through the terrorists on the ground. The terrorist commanders then ordered his execution.

Q: How have terrorists used drones in their plots?

Terrorists, like Rezwan Ferdaus, have attempted to use drones rigged with explosives to target government buildings like the Pentagon and the Capitol building. They have also hacked into US government drones' video feeds to intercept valuable intelligence.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Criminals and terrorists have been using technology for years, with early examples of encrypted information on laptops dating back to 1993.

• Terrorists have utilized the internet for fundraising, operational planning, propaganda, and recruitment.

• The 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack showcased the integration of technology, with terrorists using smartphones, satellite phones, and an operational center to monitor news media and plan their attacks.