Death by Hacking: The Emerging Threat of Kinetic Cyber

Abstract

Innovation and technological advancements have seen many devices and systems being linked up on to the Internet. Such devices and systems include personal medical devices like insulin pumps and pacemakers, cars, as well as critical infrastructure like power grids and traffic light systems. However, recent research by cyber security experts has revealed that these critical devices and systems are highly vulnerable to being hacked into and manipulated. Should such an attack be carried out successfully by bad actors, like violent extremists, this could result in physical injury or even death. Hence, this chapter aims to bring awareness on the kinetic cyber threat by highlighting various forms of kinetic cyber, and the vulnerabilities that make these devices and systems susceptible. In addition, this chapter introduces the motivations and characteristics of violent extremists who might engage in kinetic cyber, and ends off by proposing some recommended directions to counter this threat.