Technology
Why the Islamic State Isn’t Invincible Online
The group’s most high-profile cyberattack arguably occurred when ISIS supporters took over the U.S. military’s Central Command YouTube and Twitter accounts — more of an embarrassment to the military than an actual problem. (Creative Commons)
The Islamic State’s efforts to become more tech-savvy came under intense focus after the Paris attacks.
Many have suggested that attackers planned the assault using encryption technologies that hide online communication. And the hacking collective known as Anonymous launched a “war” on social media accounts linked to ISIS, which disseminate propaganda designed to recruit more fighters.
Some of the hysteria surrounding ISIS’ digital abilities and online battles has been overblown, though there are a few strategies worth attention. We broke down the group’s abilities and who they’re fighting with online.
The group’s technological knowhow is becoming more widespread. Analysts have noticed members sharing online pamphlets that teach the basics of hiding online communication from the watchful eyes of governments that want to track them.
They’ve also passed around manuals for hijacking unused Twitter accounts.
“There were a lot of documents that were spread over the summer about how to take over a Twitter account or establish a new account without having to log a phone number,” Pieter Van Ostaeyen, a Belgium-based ISIS researcher, told Mashable.
Finish reading the story and watch video at Mashable.
