Cyber Terrorism

As the discussion develops, we consider cyber terrorism as hostile, aggressive online behaviour which is part of a wider, overarching category of 'cyber violence' which includes Hate trolling, sexualised 'Grooming' and so on.

The potential threats posed by different levels of cyber terrorism to targets ranging from individuals to countries' economies are analysed, and the discussion includes examples such as ISIS, the Syrian Electronic Army, and alleged attempts by Chinese and Russian hackers to destabilise and destroy Western cyber targets.

In what follows, we go on to outline a Genetic-Social, blueprint for a predictive model of cyber violence which has the potential to inform social and educational policy, and to enhance the efforts of law and order and security agencies in the fight against cyber violence. The Genetic-Social model of cyber violence conceptualises the cyber-offender, in terms of possible causal influences upon behaviour, as a 'cocktail' of genetic, psychological, neurological and socio-economic variables.

Here, we draw upon the latest research in criminological theory, psychology and neuroscience to present a more integrated picture of those who commit crime, especially cyber terrorism, within cyberspace, be it via conventional social media platforms or via the unencrypted world of the 'Dark Net' and Tor Hidden Services.

Dr Tim Owen is Senior Lecturer in Criminology and the Director of UClan Cybercrime Research Unit [UCRU] at the University of Central Lancashire. He was born in Yorkshire and educated at the University of Liverpool, where he gained a Masters Degree with Distinction and a PhD awarded without corrections. Tim teaches on the undergraduate programme, notably as Module Leader of CJ3026 Crime and New Technologies, and he is currently supervising several MPhil/PhD students. Tim is also a Research Director [RDT] in Lancashire Law School.

Venue: UCLAN, Foster Buildings, Scholars Restaurant, Preston, PR1 2HE

Time: Seminar begins around 6:15pm, but come along for 5:30pm for your complimentary hot meal.

Booking: To confirm your place, and for catering purposes before 8th November, please contact Joanne on joanne.bramley@sentinelrisk.co.uk or on 01772 789455