Threat of cyber attacks

A new wave of cyber attacks around the world on sensitive installations proves that cyber threats have become a reality these days. Despite growing cyber attacks the world community is doing nothing to prevent this threat.

It seems true that big powers are preparing for a possible cyber war, hiring hackers and enhancing their cyber capabilities. After increasing cyber attacks a war of nerves is going on among the U.S., China, Russia and Iran.

With the popularity of social media, extremist organizations are widely using them these days to enhance their agenda. They have also launched several cyber attacks against their rivals and the threat is growing. The potential financial and economic impact is disastrous and cyber war is more harmful than normal war. We can easily imagine its harmful effects.

Recent cyber attacks on oil giant Armco affected 30,000 computers and the company is still struggling to cope with this attack. Qatar Gas giant Ras Gas is also the victim of a recent cyber attack and trying hard to prevent any further attacks.

Six U.S. banks including the Bank of America are also victims of recent attacks. Hacking customers' accounts, stealing of credit card details and forged information on the Internet is becoming a daily routine these days.

Although some countries have introduced tough laws against cyber crimes, most countries are not able to allocate extra funds to prevent these threats. Only tough laws against cyber crimes and interest from big powers can prevent the situation deteriorating further.

Khawaja Umer Farooq
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia