TYPES OF TERRORISM

• Physical Terrorism. Physically destroying property and/or taking human lives (i.e., the September 11 attack).
• Psychological Terrorism. Instilling fear or terror in people as a way of taking away the basic rights of everyday life (i.e., a terrorist threat that prevents people from traveling, being in public places, or opening their mail).
• Technological Terrorism. Using new information technology and the Internet to formulate plans, recruit members, communicate between cells and members, raise funds, and spread propaganda.
• Cyber Terrorism. Using cyber tools to shut down, degrade, or deny critical national infrastructures (such as energy, transportation, communications, or government services) for the purpose of coercing or intimidating a government or civilian population. Cyber terrorism is an emerging threat that we must develop prevention, deterrence, and response capabilities to combat.
• Chemical or Biological Terrorism (Bioterrorism). Using deadly chemicals or biological agents to produce illness or death in people or resources. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) estimates that as many as twenty-six countries may possess biological or chemical agents. Additionally, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) reports that approximately ten countries are currently conducting research on chemical and biological agents for weaponization. The U.S. Biological Weapons Anti-Terrorism Act of 1989, implemented by the U.S. government in 1989, creates a general prohibition against the development, production, stockpiling, transfer, acquisition, or possession of biological weapons that is punishable by imprisonment and/or civil penalties . For more information, see http://www.sunshine-project.org/bwintro/uscode.html.

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