Strengthening defenses against the rise of cyberterrorism

Wednesday 16 April 2025 - 14:33

By: Dakir Madiha

Strengthening defenses against the rise of cyberterrorism

Cyberattacks have evolved beyond mere criminal acts, transforming into a form of electronic terrorism that targets states, institutions, and individuals. International relations expert Ahmed Nourreddine emphasizes the urgent need to bolster defense mechanisms at both local and international levels to combat this escalating threat.

These attacks have progressed from isolated incidents perpetrated by hackers seeking to steal bank accounts or personal data for extortion, to organized offensives conducted by groups that may include criminal gangs or professional organizations acting as mercenaries for certain states or multinational corporations.

Nourreddine highlights the proliferation of politically motivated groups executing cyberattacks against institutions, businesses, or nations to further ideological goals. This trend underscores the importance of collective initiatives that have emerged in the early 21st century to combat cybercrime, many of which are spearheaded by the United Nations and other international bodies.

He cites the Budapest Convention of 2001 on Cybercrime, regarded as the most comprehensive legal instrument in this realm, which has been ratified by approximately sixty countries. However, Nourreddine notes that this convention has not effectively curbed the phenomenon, as cyberattacks continue to rise in both frequency and intensity. In 2024, global economic losses due to these attacks exceeded $8 trillion, and projections indicate they could reach $10 trillion by 2026.