How did the internet evolve into a breeding ground for terrorists, and how are they exploiting the power of the web? How should governments respond? Prof. Gabriel Weimann, a leading expert on modern terror and mass media, will address those pressing questions and others at “Terrorism in Cyberspace,” a presentation hosted by University of Haifa and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs on March 15 in Chicago.

Weimann, who works in University of Haifa’s Department of Communication, has published 120 reports and nine books, including “Terrorism in Cyberspace: The Next Generation.” He has received numerous grants and awards from international foundations, and has been a visiting professor at the University of Pennsylvania, Stanford University, and other institutions.

In the borders of cyberspace—or more precisely, its borderless environment—regulation, police, and passports have ceased to exist. Evolving their tactics, terrorist organizations such as ISIS have entered the cyber realm in order to leverage its immense power. Popular platforms such as Google, YouTube, Twitter, and others have enabled global terror networks to quickly and efficiently recruit, communicate, and coordinate deadly attacks worldwide.

Meanwhile, anonymizing software and encryption tools help terrorists avoid detection by intelligence services. Given Israel’s long history in combating terrorism in all its forms, Israeli experts such as Weimann are at the forefront of tackling the ever-changing threat of cyber-terror.

Weimann’s “Terrorism in Cyberspace: The Next Generation” analyzes content from more than 9,800 terrorist websites. Weimann—who has been studying terrorism online for two decades—selects the most important kinds of web activity; describes their background and history; and surveys their content, the groups and prominent individuals involved, and their effects. He highlights cyberterrorism against financial, governmental, and engineering infrastructure; efforts to monitor, manipulate, and disrupt terrorists’ online efforts; and threats to civil liberties posed by ill-directed efforts to suppress terrorists’ online activities.

“Terrorists’ exploitation of social media and other mass communication platforms is one of the most frightening and immediate aspects of contemporary terror,” said Karen Berman, CEO of American Society of the University of Haifa. “Prof. Weimann’s timely presentation will provide both practical insights and a big-picture perspective on terrorism, reflecting University of Haifa’s mission to spread awareness about the greatest challenges facing the world today.”

The “Terrorism in Cyberspace” event is scheduled for Thursday at 5:15PM, with the presentation starting at 5:30, followed by a networking reception from 6:30-7. The event is taking place at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs Conference Center, 130 East Randolph Drive, Chicago.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)