Beyond kinetic harm and towards a dynamic conceptualization of cyberterrorism

TL;DR

This paper critically reviews the evolving concept of cyberterrorism, proposing a more dynamic, abstract, and ethically nuanced definition to guide future research and policy efforts.

Contribution

It introduces a novel, comprehensive definition of cyberterrorism and advocates for a shift towards a more flexible, ethically aware conceptual framework.

Findings

Highlights the complexity and ambiguity of current cyberterrorism definitions

Proposes a dynamic, abstract model that accounts for unpredictability and harm

Provides a research roadmap for future studies

Abstract

After more than two decades of discussion, the concept of cyberterrorism remains plagued by confusion. This article presents the result of an integrative review which maps the development of the term and situates the epistemic communities that have shaped the debate. After critically assessing existing accounts and highlighting the key ethical, social, and legal dimensions at stake in preventing cyberterrorist attacks, it calls for a more dynamic conceptualization that views cyberterrorism as more abstract, difficult to predict, and hard to isolate; and which embraces a different conception of sufficient harm. In concluding it proposes a novel definition of cyberterrorism, intended to catalyse a new research programme, and sketches a roadmap for further research.