Terrorists Issue Warning on Web Security

Recent Internet postings by terrorist groups indicate a heightened concern about security and privacy. Apparently, not all terrorists are communicating in a manner to avoid detection and surveillance. Consequently, jihadists have posted specific warnings about dos and don'ts.

From WashingtonPost.com:

One forum recently posted a guide for Internet safety and anonymity on the Internet, advising readers of ways to circumvent hackers or government officials.

"The Shortened Way of How to be Cautious; To the User of the Jihadi Forums, In the Name of Allah, the most Gracious and Merciful" was posted last month by an al-Qaeda-affiliated group calling itself the Global Islamic Media Front and was translated by the SITE Institute, a group that tracks international terrorist groups.

One message warned Internet users to "Beware of Google!!!" and its expanding set of software capabilities for fear of having communications tracked and recorded.

To experienced Internet users, the concerns are old news. However, techniques for spying and accumulating data are constantly evolving. The fact that terrorists see a need to warn their bomb buddies at this time surely indicates that communications have been intercepted and planned attacks have been foiled. I believe the jihadis are just now figuring out why. I also think that intervention in terrorist plots likely occurs more frequently than is reported.