Page 1 - Cyber Terrorism and Extremism as Threat to Critical Infrastructure Protection

Rising to the global security challenges calls for coordinated and effective responses. Cyber Terrorism
Terrorism, the radicalization of individuals and groups, and the risks posed by the cyber
environment involve serious threats to the continued operation of critical infrastruc-
ture. The introduction of new technologies further increases the complexity of the en- and Extremism as
vironment in which critical infrastructure operates. This book gives some of the an-
swers we need for the future in order to be even more effective in preventing these
socially deviant acts. Through its activities, the Republic of Slovenia adds its part of Threat to Critical
energy, knowledge and experience to the international mosaic designed to ensure na-
tional and international security. It will be difficult to overcome all the accumulated
challenges in a short period of time, so the awareness of the importance of long-term Infrastructure Protection
and continual efforts is crucial for achieving the expected success. Our commitment to
preserving all the democratic and technological gains of our age will also have a sig-
nificant impact on the further development of effective measures directed towards
ensuring the security and stability of our society.
Matej Tonin MA
Minister of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia

Terrorism has claimed innocent lives for thousands of years. We saw it evolve to great- Cyber Terrorism and Extremism as Threat to Critical Infrastructure Protection
er levels of violence and lethality in the 21st century, and it will undoubtedly remain a
threat to peace and freedom for the foreseeable future. As they have in the past, the
enemies of civilization continue to expand their methods to disrupt our way of life,
seeking targets on which we all depend such as our financial systems and information
and communications technology. Our age is also characterized by a growing reliance
on automation. Cybersecurity is central to security and resilience of critical infrastruc-
ture. Nations throughout Europe and the Western Balkans have made significant in-
vestments to protect critical systems and ensure our militaries and governments main-
tain an advantage in the cyber domain. We must remain vigilant. Our adversaries seek
new asymmetric ways to exploit cyber vulnerabilities and attack critical information
and communications systems. This Regional Defense Fellowship Program book is an
important examination of the issues all nations face.
Lynda C. Blanchard
U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia

Modern security processes present significant challenges. In the field of protection of
critical infrastructure, these challenges are increasingly related to the risks of the cy-
ber environment. Adding to this framework the human potential, which has been ne-
glected in the recent period, specifically because of the development of new technolo-
gies in the area of artificial intelligence, two important segments stand out; they are
addressed in this book. The radicalization of individuals or wider social groups, and the
associated cyber risks in the modern information society, can significantly affect the
smooth and uninterrupted operation of those procedural and technological capabilities
that fall under critical infrastructure. These are of key importance for the functioning of
individual sectors and for the proper functioning of the wider community. Success in
counteracting these complex security phenomena relating to the protection of critical
infrastructure can be ensured through appropriate cooperation of all the involved enti- Editors:
ties within the public and private environments. Denis Čaleta
Blaž Košorok
State Secretary Ministry of Infrastructure of the Republic of Slovenia James F. Powers

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