Joseph Delloiacovo Blog

Another article about cyber warfare in North Korea:

 

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2014/02/14/cyberwar-experts-question-north-korea-cyber-capabilities/

Recently, the United States and South Korea have become concerned with North Korea’s strives for committing cyber warfare. In-fact, North Korea has been recruiting hackers in certain academic institutions. A former Computer Science Professor within North Korea told new sources that the current regime is recruiting students that show promise at a young age. Kim Heung-kwang stated: “There is a pyramid-like prodigy recruiting system, where smart kids from all over the country – students who are good at math, coding and possess top analytical skills – are picked up to be grouped at Keumseong.” Obviously, North Korea is vigorously striving to enter the modern age in terms of warfare, much like Al-Quida has made strives to enter the tech world with their activities.

 

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2011/06/201162081543573839.html

 

North Korea heavily relies on social media to convey their politics or “propaganda” so-to-speak. In-fact, over 80 videos have been upload on YouTube making threats and bashing America.

Here is an example of a Video depicting North Korean troops defeating American troops.

 

Here is another video showing Military force while celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice.

Last year, we saw the Nuclear threats coming out of North Korea. However, did the world take it seriously? What was social media’s reaction? Were we scared?

 

Clearly, social media did not take North Korea’s threat of Nuclear War seriously. In-fact, according to Orange County SEO survey company, “news-oriented social media platforms have exploded with tweets, status updates, and discussions about the North Korea nuclear threat. Surprisingly, these communications have been overwhelmingly positive or neutral, at a 2:1 ratio, often making light of North Korea’s nuclear threat with differing views and dismissing it as rhetoric and propaganda. […] the North Korean nuclear threat are largely neutral or positive, choosing to dismiss North Korea’s words as rhetoric and propaganda. While some communities warn against the danger of dismissing the threats, public sentiment was measured expressing 31% passion, 27% strength regarding positive and jovial messaging. As many news organizations largely held that citizens were concerned about North Korea’s nuclear threat, Orange County SEO’s trend analysis of social media has revealed that individuals have largely expressed disbelief, joking in tweets such as that from @YaBoyJesus “North Korea, eat a Snickers. You get a little nuclear terroristic when you’re hungry.” Other tweets included similar sarcasm and jest such as @Sweet_Bombaclot “It’s not as bad as the news is making it.. North Korea been threatening us forever.. They ain’t bout that life”

 

 

What is a terrorist and how do they use social media? The broadest definition of terrorism would be one who uses terrorism to advance a political or ideological cause. So, is North Korea a terrorist state? According to the U.S. Government, they are not currently considered to be a terrorist state. However, that was not always the case. In 1988, they were declared to be a terrorist state by the U.S. Government then later removed in 2011 for meeting all requirements for nuclear inspection. Today, North Korea appears to be making the headlines again only this time, unlike the cold war days, they have the internet as a new outlet for propaganda and conveying their thoughts to the world.

How effective is North Korea in contributing towards Global Terrorism?

Global Terrorism is more or less, when an act of violence and terror has a global impact. September 11th, 2001 would be a prime example. Recently, North Korea has been making headlines with missile tests and Nuclear threats. The majority of the United States believes this to be a bluff or not to be taken seriously. Though, has it had an impact on the world?