This study explores the internal dynamics and networks of terrorist groups in cyberspace—in particular, Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Using a “Global Cyberterrorism Dataset” that features data on cyberterror attacks between 2011 and 2016, this research analyzes these two terrorist groups through the lens of a cyber-conflict theory that integrates conflict theory with Jaishankar’s space transition theory. Through a network analysis methodology, we examine the invisible relationships and connections between the national origins and target countries of cyberterror attacks. The analysis focuses on the networks of national origins of terrorists and victims, network structures of Al-Qaeda and ISIS actors, and clustering networks of Al-Qaeda and ISIS cyberterrorists. Results indicate that terror in cyberspace is ubiquitous, more flexible than traditional terrorism, and that cyberattacks mostly occurred within the countries of origin. We conclude by discussing the complex features of cyberterror networks and identify some of the geostrategic implications of the divergent cyber strategies adopted by Al-Qaeda and ISIS.

这项研究探讨了网络空间中恐怖组织的内部动态和网络，特别是基地组织和伊拉克伊斯兰国以及深水伊斯兰组织（ISIS）。这项研究使用的是“全球网络恐怖主义数据集”，该数据集包含2011年至2016年之间的网络恐怖袭击数据，该研究通过将冲突理论与Jaishankar的空间过渡理论相结合的网络冲突理论来分析这两个恐怖集团。通过网络分析方法，我们研究了网络恐怖袭击的起源国和目标国家之间的隐形关系和联系。分析的重点是恐怖分子和受害者的原籍网络，“基地”组织和ISIS行为者的网络结构，以及“基地”组织和ISIS网络恐怖分子的聚类网络。结果表明，网络空间的恐怖无处不在，比传统恐怖主义更为灵活，网络攻击主要发生在原籍国内。最后，我们讨论网络恐怖网络的复杂特征，并确定“基地”组织和ISIS采用的多样化网络战略的一些地缘战略含义。