There are many ways in which a criminal could use electronic means to incite fear and violence. It's far less expensive to purchase a computer than to access guns or bombs, making this approach appealing for many potential criminals worldwide. It can be anonymous and conducted at a great distance away from the target.
Experts in cyber terrorism have pointed out that the potential harm posed by these threats may be exaggerated, but there is some disagreement. If it was to succeed, our outdated computer networks owned by the national government could be comprised. Bombs could be detonated or dismantled, private data could be leaked, and secret communications could be given to our enemies. The United States Institute for Peace argues that there is significant public fear of these crimes, brought about by increased media and governmental attention.
The FBI offered a few examples of successful operations against cyber terrorism. In 2014, Executive Assistant Director Robert Anderson, Jr. of the FBI testified about these cases before the Senate. First, he noted that the FBI successfully charged Chinese cyber terrorists with hacking into U.S. companies' networks to steal trade