Digital Terrorism

The recent London bombings have once again highlighted the threats that terrorism brings about. The fact remains that such acts of terror are no more than cowardly deeds as innocent people are harmed in a cause that achieves no constructive results. Yet on a positive note the entire episode has reminded us not to take security for granted and the need to be vigilant at all times.

Wendy's blog (a.k.a. Xiaxue) and email had been hacked by someone with similar makings of a terrorist - a digital terrorist. The person had hacked into her blog and email account and deleted almost all her blog entries and emails. She was in tears as her hard work of about 3 years was wiped out in a single dastardly act. Fortunately with help from her friends and the community, the blog was restored.

Terrorism stems from individuals who hate something or someone probably out of fear of suppression or perhaps even jealousy. They will devise devious plans and attempt to mask their identities because they know they are committing wrong-doings. Those who contemplate suicide like kamikaze are no martyrs but escapists who cannot find constructive solutions. Instead of finding a positive way to tackle their problems, weaklings will always resort to the easy way out.

Wendy's blog has gained much fame in recent times and while many of her articles are entertaining, some can be rather insulting. Yet the freedom of Internet encourages free expression and people who don't agree with her can choose not to read her blog or support her ideas; or better still start a blog with their own ideas.

Resorting to digital terrorism is a crime and we need to adopt a serious view on this matter. The Internet community should work hand in hand to apprehend such criminals promptly and keep the Internet the free space that it was meant to be.